FLU VACCINATION BOOKING

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Here at The Doctor’s Lounge we encourage our patients to be as preventative as possible and there is no better time than the winter period to minimise your risk of contracting the flu virus.  So protect yourself and your loved ones and consider the vaccination.  Hopefully this series of FAQs will answer any questions you may have.

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What is the flu virus?

The influenza (known as flu) virus is an infection that is typically contracted in the winter months and is very infectious and spreads through germs passed when sneezing or coughing.  It can live on hands and spread through contact.

The infection can vary in severity, often with cold-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, headaches, stuffy/runny nose but can make people feel quite unwell for over a week.  It does have a risk of hospitalisation and death and so we are of course keen to prevent the illness as much as possible.

 

What are the benefits of flu vaccination?

Influenza is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalisation and sometimes even death.  Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently.  An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu.

The benefits of Flu vaccination include:

• Preventing yourself from getting sick with flu.

• Reducing the risk of flu-associated hospitalisation for children, working age adults, and older adults.

• Protecting women during and after pregnancy.

• Reduce death from the influenza virus

• Reduce the severity of the influenza virus if you do catch it

• Protecting your loved ones and those around you who may be more  vulnerable to a severe illness - like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.

 

How is the vaccination given?

The vaccination is given as a single dose, by injection into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm.

 

How do flu vaccines work?

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are used to make the vaccine.

The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. The flu vaccine effectiveness can vary.

 

When should I be vaccinated?

Guidelines recommend that eligible adults are vaccinated in October or November to maximise protection during the peak flu months, as the flu vaccination effectiveness can decrease over time.  Those at higher risk such as pregnant women and those on chemotherapy should consider doing this in September.

It takes approximately 2 weeks for the immune system to respond fully so we recommend booking early for your vaccination.

 

What are the side effects of the flu vaccine?

The most common side effects of the flu vaccine are mild and get better within 1 to 2 days.

They can include:

• pain or soreness where the injection was given

• a slightly raised temperature

• an aching body

 

I know there are different types.  Which should I have?

We provide the following vaccinations here at The Doctor’s Lounge to provide the best possible protection for our patients:

Over 65 years: adjuvant aQIV vaccination

Under 65 years including children: QIVc

Pregnant ladies: QIVc

Egg allergy patients: QIVc

Please note we are not able to provide the nasal spray for children.

 

Who should not receive the vaccination?

Those with an allergy to a previous flu vaccination or to any previous vaccine containing neomycin, gentamicin or polymyxin should avoid the vaccination. 

If you have a temperature in the previous 24 hours you should delay your flu vaccine.

 

I have an egg allergy, what should I do?

If you have a severe egg allergy, we can provide you with an egg-free vaccination.

 

I am pregnant - should I have the flu vaccine?

Yes.  Pregnant ladies should have the flu vaccine as there is evidence that it not only protects the mother but the baby as well. 

The flu vaccine can be given at any time during the pregnancy.

 

Flu vaccine and COVID-19

There is no evidence that getting the flu vaccine increases your chance of developing COVID-19.  

If you have had the COVID-19 vaccination, you should also consider the flu vaccine as you are likely to be a higher risk from influenza.

Is it safe to have the flu vaccine at the same time as a COVID booster?

Yes. The MHRA (medicines regulator) has said it is perfectly safe to have both at the same time.

 

I had the vaccine last year, do I need it again?

A flu vaccine is needed every season (every year).   This is because your immunity reduces over time and because the type of flu viruses change and so an annual update gives you protection to what the research suggests is the common type of infection for that year

 

Will it stop me from getting the flu?

Whilst it will reduce your chances significantly, it is still possible to contract the flu as it is possible to have the virus in your body when you are vaccinated but not yet causing symptoms.  Additionally you can still be exposed to another type of the virus that the vaccine is not protecting against.

The vaccination however is shown in studies to reduce the severity of the illness.

 

Can the vaccine give me the flu?

Definitely not.  The injections are either inactivated or made from proteins from the flu virus and so cannot give the infection.

 

How do I get my flu vaccine?

Please book online here

 

How much does it cost?

We are a private clinic.  The cost for all our flu vaccinations is £30 if performed in a flu clinic.

If you need a time outside of the clinic we charge an additional £30 appointment fee.