To See if you or your child is eligible for a Flu Vaccination this year please click on the link below:
Flu Eligibility
Or if you have any questions, please click on the link below or ask your clinician or pharmacist:
Questions about Flu
Before having influenza vaccine
Before you/your child are given influenza vaccine, make sure your clinician knows:
- If you/they have been unwell recently, or if you/they have a high temperature.
- If you/they have previously had an allergic reaction to a flu jab or to any other medicine.
- If you/they have a severe allergy to eggs.
- NASAL SPRAY ONLY- If your child has an allergy to gelatine/unable to have products with gelatine present.
- If you/they have a weakened immune system. This may be a result of an illness or taking medicines.
- If the vaccine is for a child who has close contact with someone who has a poorly working immune system.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Even if you are otherwise healthy it is recommended that all pregnant women receive the flu jab.
- If you have a condition that makes you bleed more than is normal, such as haemophilia.
- If you/they are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you/they are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
If you/your child have a high temperature or if you/they are acutely unwell at the time of the scheduled immunisation, your doctor or nurse may recommend delaying giving the vaccine. A minor illness (such as a cough, cold or snuffles) will not interfere with the vaccine. If a delay is advised, you will be given an alternative appointment for the vaccination to be given.
Can influenza vaccine cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, vaccines like most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects, although not everyone experiences them. Influenza immunisation usually causes no problems, but the table below contains some of the side-effects which may occur. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with the vaccine. Speak with a doctor or nurse if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
Common influenza vaccine side-effects | What can I do if I experience this? |
Mild soreness, swelling, or redness around the site of the injection | This should soon pass |
Mild fever (raised temperature), loss of appetite, feeling tired or weak | This soon settles |
Muscle ache, headache | If troublesome, ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller |
Blocked or runny nose (in children) | This soon settles |
You will normally be asked by the clinician to wait several minutes after the immunisation to make sure that you do not react badly to the vaccine. Although allergic reactions are extremely rare, you should seek urgent medical advice if you become breathless, or if any swelling or a rash develops within a few days of the immunisation.
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the vaccine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
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