Flu Vaccine
This year, getting the flu vaccine is more important than ever! Murrays Pharmacy is providing the Flu Vaccine in Hackney and the surrounding area.
What Is The Flu Vaccine?
The flu vaccine is a vaccination against the Influenza Virus. Most people receive this vaccination as an injection or jab. But children receive the vaccination in the form of a nasal spray.
The flu vaccine is the best protection against catching the flu. It is possible to catch a strain of flu virus that wasn’t included in the vaccine. However, if you do, you’re still provided with some protection and will probably recover more quickly from than if you hadn’t had the vaccine.
You can get the Flu Vaccine in Hackney by visiting us at Murrays Pharmacy! We encourage everyone who can, to get the flu vaccine in 2024.
Who Should Have The Flu Vaccination?
Patients who are at a higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu should get the flu jab. It’s offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter.
Based on NHS guidelines (2024), if you fall into the following bracket, then you can qualify for a free NHS flu vaccine:
The flu vaccine is free for people in high-risk groups. You qualify for a free vaccine if you are in one of the following categories:
– Adults over the age of 65
– Those with certain long-term health conditions
– If you are a main carer for an older or disabled person, or if you receive a carer’s allowance
– Pregnant women
– Care home inhabitants
– Live with someone who has a weakened immune system
Your pharmacist will check if you qualify for a flu vaccination on the NHS. If you don’t qualify for a free injection, you can still have the jab privately. Getting your Flu Vaccine directly from your pharmacist will save you time and will be a more convenient process.
The flu vaccine is recommended for people with certain long-term health conditions, including:
– Breathing issues, like asthma (requiring steroid inhalers or tablets), COPD, or cystic fibrosis
– Heart conditions, including coronary heart disease or heart failure
– Chronic kidney disease
– Liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis
– Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy
– Diabetes or Addison’s disease
– Weakened immune system (e.g., HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, or steroid treatment)
– Spleen issues, such as sickle cell disease or spleen removal
– Learning disabilities
– Severe obesity (BMI of 40 or higher)
Who Shouldn’t Have The Flu Jab?
Most people can have a flu vaccine. However, there are a couple of exceptions:
– If you are currently unwell with a fever, you should delay getting the jab.
– If you have an egg allergy, first speak to your GP or pharmacist.
What Are The Flu Vaccine Side Effects?
The flu vaccine is a safe and effective method of fighting the flu. If you experience any flu jab side effects, they are likely to be mild. Side effects include:
– Mild fever
– Aching muscles
– Sore arm where you were injected
– Headache
– Tiredness or feeling under the weather
– Blocked or runny nose
Some people also lose their appetite following the flu jab. Serious side effects of the injected flu vaccine are very rare.
How To Get The Flu Vaccine At Murrays Pharmacy
Get your Flu Vaccine in Hackney today by booking your appointment online with us below! Please contact us if you would like more information.