This year has shown us how important it is to look after our health. It’s also made the country realise how valuable the NHS is, and how much work doctors and nurses do to keep everyone safe. More people than ever are paying attention to vaccines, yet the flu jab has been around for decades – what do you need to know about it?
How it Works
The flu vaccine is offered every year by the NHS. It is safe and effective. Getting the vaccine helps reduce your risk of getting the flu, which is important if you’re in a high-risk health category. Not only can it help you, but it helps relieve the pressure in hospitals, too. How does the flu vaccine work? It makes your immune system create antibodies, which will fight the virus. It will not give you the flu. In certain cases, there are mild side effects which last a couple of days. The virus changes each year, that’s why it’s given annually.
Who’s It For
Due to the pandemic, the list of people who are eligible for the flu jab increased. It is for people in their 50’s, those who have certain health conditions, or live with someone who is at high-risk from coronavirus. It’s also administered to people living in long-term care homes, front line health works, carers, and pregnant women. If you have a serious medical condition or are above a certain age, your doctor should recommend the flu jab. If you get seriously ill and didn’t get recommended the vaccine, you may want to consider reaching out to medical negligence solicitors.
Mandatory
The flu jab is not mandatory, but that’s not to say it isn’t important. If you are unsure about getting it, reach out to medical professionals to get their guidance. Also, it’s understandable if you don’t like needles or injections in general. Remember GPs and nurses will go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable with the process.
Coronavirus and Flu
It has been shown that you can catch coronavirus and flu at the same time, which may make you seriously ill. This is why there has been such a push across the country this year for people to have a flu vaccine. Health Secretary Matt Hancock stressed it was more important than ever for people to get a flu jab. 30 million people were offered the jab, making this the largest flu-immunisation scheme in the country’s history. Getting the flu jab won’t stop you getting coronavirus, but it helps reduce the risk of you getting both diseases at once.
If you’re uncertain about getting the flu jab, do your research and reach out to a medical professional to help make up your mind. Do you get the flu jab?
