Flu Vaccination
Flu Clinics
The practice will invite you for a Flu vaccination between October and February each year if you are eligible. Patients that are eligible are also able to go to their local pharmacy and get the flu vaccination that way, including the pharmacy on site at Ritchie Street.
Housebound patients will be contacted separately by the practice
General Advice
Flu will often get better on it’s own, but it can make some people seriously ill. It’s important to get the flu vaccine if you’re advised to.
Who can get it
Free on the NHS if you’re:
- 65 or over
- Pregnant
- Aged 2–10 (nasal spray for most children)
- Living with a long-term health condition
- Or in other eligible groups
Types of vaccines
Flu jab (injection) – given in the arm, suitable for adults and some children.
Nasal spray – usually for children, but it contains porcine (pork-derived) gelatine.
Pork Gelatine & Vaccines (Muslim & Other Faith Perspectives)
The nasal spray flu vaccine (Fluenz) contains porcine (pig-derived) gelatine as a stabiliser. Some people are concerned about this due to their religious beliefs.
For those who do not wish to receive vaccines with porcine gelatine, there is an alternative: the injectable flu vaccine does not contain gelatine. It may be less convenient for children (or those offered the nasal spray), but it is a valid alternative.
In 2022, the British Fatwa Council issued a fatwa saying the nasal spray flu vaccine containing porcine gelatine is permissible for use, considering the medical benefit and necessity. NHS England
If you are unsure what to choose, or what is acceptable for your faith, please talk to your GP surgery; we are happy to provide information or recommend the vaccine option best for you.
Allergy concerns
We understand people have questions or concerns, especially relating to egg allergies and religious beliefs. Here are the key points:
Egg Allergies
- Some flu vaccines contain small amounts of egg protein (ovalbumin). Tell the staff vaccinating you if you have an egg allergy.
- For most people with egg allergies, including severe allergies, the flu vaccine is safe. There are also versions of the vaccine with very low egg protein or egg-free alternatives.
What to do next
The flu vaccine is safe, tested every year, and side effects are usually mild. Serious reactions are extremely rare.
What to do
Ask about alternatives if you have religious or dietary restrictions.
Book via the practice, NHS App, or a local pharmacy.
Tell us about any allergies or concerns in advance.
Got the Flu?
Symptoms of Flu
Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include:
- a sudden high temperature of 38C or above
- an aching body
- feeling tired or exhausted
- a dry cough
- a sore throat
- a headache
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea or tummy pain
- feeling sick and being sick
The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active.
Telling the difference between cold and flu
Cold and flu symptoms are similar, but flu tends to be more severe.
Flu
Appears quickly within a few hours
Affects more than just your nose and throat
Makes you feel exhausted and too unwell to carry on as normal
Cold
Appears gradually
Affects mainly your nose and throat
Makes you feel unwell, but you’re OK to carry on as normal (for example, go to work)
How to treat flu yourself
Rest and sleep
Keep warm
Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (your pee should be light yellow or clear)
Getting treatment for flu
GPs do not recommend antibiotics for flu because they will not relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.
A pharmacist can give treatment advice and recommend flu remedies.
Be careful not to use flu remedies if you’re taking paracetamol and ibuprofen tablets as it’s easy to take more than the recommended dose.
Information:
Call a pharmacy or contact them online before going in person. You can get medicines delivered or ask someone to collect them.
Non-urgent advice: Get advice from 111 now if:
You’re worried about your baby’s or child’s symptoms
You’re 65 or over
You’re pregnant
You have a long-term medical condition – for example, diabetes or a heart, lung, kidney or neurological disease
You have a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy or HIV
Your symptoms do not improve after 7 days
111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
Find out more about the flu vaccine:
How to avoid spreading the flu
Flu is very infectious and easily spread to other people. You’re more likely to give it to others in the first 5 days.
Flu is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.
To reduce the risk of spreading flu:
try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities.
wash your hands often with warm water and soap
use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze
bin used tissues as quickly as possible