Flu Vaccine
This year, getting vaccinated is more important than ever, and that is why we are encouraging people to get their flu vaccine in Cardiff from our pharmacy. We offer flu vaccines, with funding from NHS Wales.
What Is The Flu Jab?
The flu vaccine is a vaccination against the Influenza Virus. Most people receive this vaccination as an injection or jab. We do not provide the children's nasal spray.
The flu vaccine is the best protection against catching the flu. It is possible to catch a strain of flu virus that wasn’t included in the vaccine. However, if you do, you’re still provided with some protection and will probably recover more quickly from it than if you hadn’t had the vaccine.
Who Should Have The Flu Vaccination?
We encourage all patients who fall under the NHS categories to receive an annual flu jab.
Having the jab will help protect you from catching and spreading the flu. It will also help prevent you from infecting other people in your family as well as helping to reduce the strain on the NHS during flu season.
Plus, it’s ok to have the flu jab when pregnant or if you’re taking antibiotics.
Who Shouldn’t Have The Flu Jab?
Most people can have a flu vaccine. However, there are a couple of exceptions:
- If you are currently unwell with a fever, you should delay getting the jab.
- If you have an egg allergy, first speak to your GP or pharmacist.
Who Is Eligible For A Free Flu Vaccine On The NHS?
The flu vaccine is free for people in high-risk groups. You qualify for a free vaccine if you are in one of the following categories:
- people aged six months to 64 years in clinical risk groups
- people aged 65 years and older (age on 31 March 2024)
- all adult residents in Welsh prisons residents
- pregnant women
- carers
- people with a learning disability
- staff in nursing homes and care homes with regular client contact
- staff providing domiciliary care
- staff providing frontline NHS/Primary care services*
- healthcare workers (including healthcare students) with direct patient contact
When should I have the Flu Vaccine?
The best time to have the vaccination is from early October to the end of November. This is the ideal time but you can have it later during the winter (until end of March).
What Are The Flu Vaccine Side Effects?
The flu vaccine is a safe and effective method of fighting the flu. If you experience any flu jab side effects, they are likely to be mild. Side effects include:
- Mild fever
- Aching muscles
- Sore arm where you were injected
- Headache
- Tiredness or feeling under the weather
- Blocked or runny nose
- Some people also lose their appetite following the flu jab. Serious side effects of the injected flu vaccine are very rare.
If possible please print and complete the below form and bring it to your appointment. Do not worry if you cannot do this as we will have spare forms in store.
Get your Flu Vaccine in Llanedeyrn today by booking online, or contact us to find out more.