Flu Vaccination
Service
The flu is a common occurrence throughout the year, but the winter months pose the greatest risk for those who are more susceptible to developing the flu and its effects. The vaccination process against the common flu is something that occurs throughout September and October.
So before the season hits, make sure you book for your Orford Pharmacy flu vaccination.
Who Is Vulnerable to Influenza?
Flu is known to be more severe in certain groups, for example:
- Anyone aged 65 and over
- Pregnant women
- Children and adults with an underlying health condition or weakened immune system (such as long-term heart or respiratory disease)
The Orford Pharmacy flu vaccination service is vital to anyone in these high-risk groups. They are more likely to develop potentially severe complications of flu, such as the secondary bacterial infection pneumonia that can affect the lungs, so it’s recommended that they have a flu jab every year during flu season to help protect them.
You can have the flu vaccine at your GP surgery, but given the busy schedules that these surgeries have on a day-to-day basis every year, it is recommended that you visit your local pharmacy. Millions visit GP surgeries with minor health problems that a local pharmacy could help with. By visiting your pharmacy, you can help to keep our healthcare services running smoothly across the country. Imaan Healthcare pharmacies, including Orford Pharmacy, offer both NHS funded and private flu jabs to give everyone the option to receive the vaccine at a time that suits them.
Who Is Eligible?
In 2024/25, the eligibility criteria is reverting to pre-pandemic regulations. This means the following groups will be eligible:
- People aged 65 years and older
- People aged six months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups
- All children aged 2 to 10 (not 11 years or older) on 31 August 2022
- Pregnant women
- Those in long-stay residential care homes
- Carers
- Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
Those who are immunocompromised / in a clinical risk group will fit the following:
- Chronic respiratory diseases, such as severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchitis
- Chronic heart and kidney disease, such as heart failure kidney disease at stage three, four or five
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic neurological disease, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, learning disability
- Diabetes
- Immunosuppression, a weakened immune system due to disease (such as HIV/AIDS) or treatment (such as cancer treatment)
- Asplenia or splenic dysfunction
- Those who are morbidly obese
Health Tips for Those Who Have Received the Flu Vaccination
After getting vaccinated, good health practices also act as a line of defence against the winter flu. At Orford Pharmacy, our clinician tips for practising good health habits to avoid the flu are:
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick, or show signs of flu
- If you have flu symptoms, stay home from school or work for at least 24 hours
- Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing to avoid transmission
- Regularly wash your hands with soap for up to 20 seconds
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without first washing your hands to ensure they are germ-free
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that people come into contact with on a regular basis
Frequently Asked Questions
The flu vaccine will provide protection for you for the upcoming flu season. People eligible for flu vaccination should have the vaccine each year.
It takes between 10 and 14 days for your immune system to respond fully after you’ve had the flu vaccine.
- Sudden fever of 38°C or above
- Dry, chesty cough
- Headache
- Tiredness or exhaustion
- Chills
- Aching body
- Diarrhoea or stomach pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sneezing
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Limb or joint pain
Are you a business owner looking to order flu vaccinations for your employees? Click here to visit our corporate flu vaccination page.
Protecting those most at risk is particularly important and the best way to stop flu spreading is to get vaccinated at your local pharmacy. Having a vaccine not only protects the individual, but it also stops the virus from spreading throughout the wider community. For more flu vaccination information, or to contact us and book your place, click here:
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