Carrie Johnson has suggested her Instagram followers to “get the bloody flu jab” after spending per week in hospital with flu and pneumonia. The spouse of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson had a chest an infection 18 days over Christmas and says she was struggling to breathe correctly earlier than she was admitted to hospital.
Johnson added that she regrets not getting the flu vaccine. “I actually, actually want I had. It completely slipped my thoughts this yr. No assure, however I very presumably wouldn’t have spent the final 3 weeks horribly, horribly in poor health had I acquired it,” she mentioned.
There’s a typical false impression that the flu jab is just obtainable to the aged and susceptible, however everybody within the UK is eligible to obtain it.
The flu vaccine is a seasonal programme obtainable all through autumn and winter. This yr the ultimate date to get will probably be thirty first March 2025.
The jab is obtainable in pharmacies throughout the nation. You could find your nearest one utilizing the NHS’s search operate right here.
The vaccine is obtainable on the NHS and is free to sure teams of individuals. You may get it at no cost when you:
- Are aged 65 or over (together with those that will probably be 65 by 31 March 2025)
- Have sure long-term well being circumstances, together with bronchial asthma, coronary heart illness, HIV and diabetes.
- Are pregnant
- Have a studying incapacity
- Have a Physique Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or extra (severely obese)
- Reside in a care residence
- Are the primary carer for an older or disabled particular person, or obtain a carer’s allowance
- Reside with somebody who has a weakened immune system
For many who aren’t eligible for a free jab, it’s provided in a spread of pharmacies and supermarkets, sometimes costing between £10 to £20. Superdrug prices £9.95 for these with a free Superdrug well being and sweetness card, or £19.95 to non members. It’s additionally obtainable at Asda for £13, or Tesco for £16 – simply examine that your native department gives the service.
Are there any uncomfortable side effects?
Most individuals will really feel positive after the flu jab, however it might trigger gentle, quick time period uncomfortable side effects together with ache within the arm the place the injection was administered, fever, tiredness, nausea and muscle aches. These signs will normally go away after a few days. The jab doesn’t comprise the stay virus, so you can’t get the flu from it.
Who can not get the vaccine?
Anybody who has ever had a critical allergic response to a earlier dose of the flu vaccine.
Some flu vaccines used within the UK comprise egg protein, so you must inform the particular person vaccinating you in case you are allergic to eggs.
I have already got a chilly, can I get the jab?
When you have a sore throat, runny nostril or slight cough, you will get the vaccine. However the NHS advises that if in case you have extra extreme signs like excessive fever, muscle soreness or complications, you must wait till they subside.
When will it begin to work?
The vaccine normally takes as much as two weeks to turn into efficient. You would nonetheless catch the flu after being vaccinated however it’s prone to be shorter and milder. The safety it gives goes down over time, so the NHS recommends receiving the jab yearly.
