Get your flu vaccine to help the NHS this winter
Residents are being urged to get their flu vaccination to help community immunity as we enter the winter.
With the NHS facing its biggest challenge ever from coronavirus, it’s even more important that those at the highest risk of catching flu are protected so illness from flu does not add pressure to the NHS.
In preparation for the country-wide coronavirus vaccine, local GPs also want residents to know that they must wait up to 7 days from their flu vaccination to be able to get a coronavirus vaccine, once the covid-19 vaccines are rolled out. So it is important to make sure that you already have your flu vaccine in advance of the coronavirus vaccine roll out.
If you are eligible it is very important that you get a flu vaccination this winter, it will not only keep you safe from the flu, but also help community immunity and protect other people from getting ill by stopping the spread. This year it is more important than ever as we want to protect the NHS from being overwhelmed by a spike in flu cases coinciding with a spike in coronavirus cases.
It is very important to make sure you get your flu jab this year, speak to your GP to book an appointment, or come along to our flu vaccination clinic at Hackney Town Hall, and we are happy that we can also make sure that children who have fallen behind with their pre-school immunisations can be seen and immunised at this event also.
As well as protecting you from flu, which can be a serious and even deadly illness, getting the flu vaccine now means you won’t need to worry about waiting between your flu vaccine and coronavirus vaccine, once these are rolled out.
On 12 and 13 December between 10am-4pm at Hackney Town Hall you can get a flu jab (or a nasal spray for children) if you are;
- A health or care worker
- Aged over 50
- Are pregnant
- Aged 2-3
- Aged 18-65 and have been advised by your GP to get a flu jab because of a medical condition such as diabetes, obesity or heart disease.
Children who have missed out on their pre-school and in-school childhood vaccinations can also come along and receive the immunisations they need.
Book an appointment by emailing: cahccg.immsandvaccsappts@nhs.net or call on 07436 020579.
The immunisation clinic will be taking place in the Hackney Town Hall Assembly Rooms, entrance on Reading Lane. The space is on the first floor with lift access and accessible toilet facilities. You must be registed with a Hackney or City of London GP to attend.
The clinic is being managed in a covid-19 safe way. Attendees will need to wear a mask, have their temperature checked on arrival, and will be asked not to attend if they feel unwell, have tested positive or have been asked to self isolate.
FAQs
Does the vaccine give you the flu?
No. There is a widely-held perception that having the flu vaccine can give you a mild form of flu. This is just a myth.
Does a flu vaccination increase your risk of getting coronavirus?
No. There is no evidence that getting a flu vaccination increases your risk of getting sick from coronavirus.
Does the flu vaccine provide protection from coronavirus?
No. The flu vaccine purely provides protection against seasonal flu. The coronavirus vaccine is totally separate from the annual flu vaccine.
Will I have any side effects?
Most people don't experience any adverse effects, however the most common side effects are general aches and pains, a rash at the injection site and feeling tired. These will usually go away within a day or two.
Why is the flu vaccine important?
Influenza - flu - is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalisation and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently, but millions of people get the flu every year.
An annual, seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu. This year that is more important than ever. Coronavirus hasn’t gone away, and the NHS is preparing for its busiest ever winter. We need to do everything we can to protect the NHS and make sure its resources - including hospital beds - are not unnecessarily stretched.
If everyone who is eligible gets the flu vaccine, fewer people will get the flu, giving the NHS more time and space to look after other patients across Hackney and the City.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is being offered on the NHS to:
- Adults 50 and over
- People with certain medical conditions (including children in at-risk groups from 6 months of age)
- Pregnant women
- People living with someone who's at high risk from coronavirus (on the NHS shielded patient list)
- Children aged 2 and 3 on 31 August 2020
- Children in primary school
- Children in year 7 (secondary school)
- Frontline health or social care workers
Is the flu nasal spray vaccine okay to use for Jewish and Muslim children?
Yes! Both the adult vaccine and the children’s nasal spray have been approved by Rabbi Avrohom Adler from the Kashrus and Medicines Information Service in Gateshead, who has advised the Government on kashrus issues. The Muslim Council of Britain has advice and the British Fatwa Council / Karimia Institute has issued a fatwa permitting children's nasal flu vaccine for Muslims. If you have any questions please contact your GP or pharmacist who will be happy to discuss your options.