Flu

Flu occurs every year, usually in the winter, which is why it’s sometimes called seasonal flu. It is caused by influenza viruses that infect the windpipe and lungs, and because it’s caused by viruses and not bacteria, antibiotics won’t treat it. 

The best protection against flu is the flu vaccine. It is safe and effective and it’s offered every year on the NHS to help protect people at risk of flu and its complications.

The best time to have the flu vaccine is in the autumn before flu starts spreading.

Who can have the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who:

  • are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
  • have certain health conditions
  • are pregnant
  • are in long-stay residential care
  • receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
  • live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

The nasal spray flu vaccine is free on the NHS for:

  • children aged 2 or 3 years 
  • all primary school children (reception to year 6)
  • all year 7 to year 11 children in secondary school
  • children aged 2 to 17 years with long-term health conditions

Where to get the flu vaccine?

You can have the NHS flu vaccine at:

  • your GP surgery
  • a pharmacy offering the service – if you’re aged 18 or over. Find a pharmacy on the NHS website.
  • some maternity services if you’re pregnant
  • Special children’s flu clinics
  • Sometimes, you might be offered the flu vaccine at a hospital appointment.

If you have a flu vaccine at any NHS service except your GP surgery, you do not have to tell the surgery to update your records. This will be done for you. If you’ve been given a flu vaccine privately, or through an occupational health scheme, you can tell your GP surgery if you would like it added to your NHS record.

Children’s flu clinics

Special children’s flu clinics are available for reception aged children through to Year 11. They are also available for home-schooled and other children not in mainstream education. You can book an appointment at the below clinics by calling 03333 583 397 – Option 4.

18.12.23 – Arnbrook Childrens Centre NG5 8NE – 1pm to 4pm

19.12.23 – Clifton Cornerstone, 571 Southchurch Dr, NG11 8EW – 12.30pm to 4pm

20.12.23 – Retford CC, DN22 6EA – 1pm to 4pm

20.12.23 – Lings Bar Hospital NG2 6PR – 1pm to 4pm

20.12.23 – Ladybrook Childrens Centre NG19 6EW – 1pm to 4pm

20.12.23 – Old Basford HC – NG6 0HD – 10am to 4pm

21.12.23 – YMCA Newark NG24 4FH – 12.30pm to 5.30pm   

21.12.23 – Highfields Fire Station, Beeston NG9 2GQ – 1pm to 5.30pm

21.12.23 – Boots Victoria Centre NG1 3QS – 11am to 4pm

22.12.23 – London Road Fire Station, Nottingham NG2 3EN – 1pm to 4pm

22.12.23 – Butlers & Broomhill CC, Broomhill Road, Hucknall NG15 6AJ – 10am to 3pm

02.01.24 – East Bridgford Office, NG13 8PJ – 10am to 4pm

03.01.24 – Boots Victoria Centre NG1 3QS – 11am to 4pm

03.01.24 – Lings Bar Hospital NG2 6PR – 1pm to 4pm

04.01.23 – Mary Potter 76 Gregory Blvd, Nottingham NG7 5HY – 10.30am to 4.30pm

04.01.24 – Manton CC, Community Way, Worksop S80 2TU 10am to 4pm

05.01.24 – Arnbrook Childrens Centre (use What 3 words) NG5 8NE – 1pm to 4pm

09.01.23 – Ashfield Health Village, The Sidings NG17 7AE 1pm to 4pm 

Flu vaccine for people with long-term health conditions

The flu vaccine is offered free on the NHS to people with certain long-term health conditions, including:

Talk to your doctor if you have a long-term health condition that is not in one of these groups. They should offer you a flu vaccine if they think you’re at risk of serious health problems if you get flu.

Flu vaccine if you’re pregnant

You should have the flu vaccine if you’re pregnant to help protect you and your baby.

It’s safe to have a flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy.

Find out more about flu vaccine in pregnancy

How do you catch flu?

When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they spread the flu virus in tiny droplets of saliva over a wide area. These droplets can then be breathed in by other people or they can be picked up by touching surfaces where the droplets have landed.

You can prevent the spread of the virus by covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and you can wash your hands frequently or use hand gels to reduce the risk of picking up the virus.

But the best way to avoid catching and spreading flu is by having the vaccination before the flu season starts.

Flu symptoms:

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.

 How effective is the flu vaccine?

  • The flu vaccine gives the best protection against flu
  • Flu vaccines help protect against the main types of flu viruses, although there’s still a chance you might get flu
  • If you do get flu after vaccination, it’s likely to be milder and not last as long
  • Having the flu vaccine will also stop you spreading flu to other people who may be more at risk of serious problems from flu
  • It can take 10 to 14 days for the flu vaccine to work

For more information, visit the NHS website.

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