Flu (Influenza) is a very common illness that is highly infectious and spread by the coughs and sneezes of people who have it. In some people flu develops into more serious illness, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. You can be protected against flu by having a simple vaccination against it. The Department of Health recommends flu vaccination every year for everyone in the following groups:
All those aged over 65 years
All those aged over 6 months to under 65 years with the following conditions:
- Chest problems, including certain asthmatics on steroid inhalers or tablets and those with chronic bronchitis or emphysema
- Chronic heart disease
- Diabetes
- Chronic kidney or liver disease
- Chronic neurological disease
- Pregnant women
- People who have lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment
- Those living in an older people’s home or nursing home
- A healthcare professional who has direct contact with patients
- A carer of an ‘at risk’ patient
Fluenz (Flu Vaccination for 2 and 3 year olds)
A new annual flu vaccine is now being offered to children as part of the NHS childhood vaccination program. This year it is being offered to children aged 2 and 3 years.
The vaccine is given as a nasal spray up each nostril. The new nasal spray flu vaccine will help to protect your child and also help to stop the disease spreading.
Clinics will run from October and we will be sending invitations through the post for all eligible children.
NHS Choices website provides a wide range of information for patients. Please visit NHS Direct