Advertorial Blog for Leeds Flu programme
Flu is caused by a virus and can be a very unpleasant illness for children. It can also lead to serious problems, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Children spread flu easily – vaccinating them also protects others who are vulnerable to flu, such as babies and older people.
The nasal spray flu vaccine is available FREE on the NHS for:
If your child is aged between 6 months and 2 years and is in a high-risk group for flu, they’ll be offered a flu vaccine injection instead of the nasal spray.
You can get your child’s flu vaccination at their GP surgery – on your visit, doctors will have measures in place to keep both you and your child safe from coronavirus.
All primary school (reception to year 6) and year 7 children are also offered the nasal spray whilst they are in school – you will have been contacted about this already.
The flu vaccine isn’t suitable for babies under the age of six months.
To find out if your child is eligible, speak to your GP.
For more information, click here
Flu is also a serious illness for adults – it can be especially harmful for older adults, pregnant women and people with long-term health conditions like diabetes or asthma.
If you fall into one of these groups, you could be eligible for a FREE flu vaccine.
This year, coronavirus means the flu vaccine is more important than ever. If you get flu and coronavirus at the same time, you’re more likely to be seriously ill.
You can get your flu vaccine at your GP practice or local pharmacy. On your visit, doctors and pharmacists will have measures in place to keep you safe from coronavirus.
This year, the free flu vaccine is being offered to all adults over the age of 50.
To find out if you’re eligible, speak to your GP or pharmacist.
For more information click here.
If you’re pregnant, the flu vaccine will help protect both you and your baby.
There is good evidence that pregnant women have a higher chance of developing complications if they get flu, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.
The flu vaccine can be given safely at any stage of pregnancy, from conception onwards.
Women who have had the flu vaccine whilst pregnant also pass some protection on to their babies, which lasts for the first few months of their lives.
It’s FREE because you need it, however many months pregnant you are and however fit and healthy you may feel.
For more information, speak to your GP, pharmacist or midwife or visit this information page.
Watch this video to find out more about the flu vaccine and why it’s more important than ever to get one if offered to you by your GP.
