Stay well this Winter – make sure you get your flu jab!
What is the Flu and who is eligible for a free flu jab?
Flu can be a potentially fatal illness. People will often carry and spread the disease without knowing they have it, therefore it’s important to get vaccinated not just for yourself but for your loved ones. The flu jab is one of the best forms of protection against the virus.
You are eligible for a free flu jab if you:
Are 65 years of age or over
- Are pregnant
- Are a child aged 2 and 3 (nasal spray vaccination)
- Are a child in reception class or in school year 1,2, 3, 4 and 5 (nasal spray vaccination)
- Have certain medical conditions
- Are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility
- Are a social care worker or hospice worker
- Receive a carer’s allowance, or you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill.
Flu can affect anyone but if you have a long-term health condition the effects of flu can make it worse even if the condition is well managed and you normally feel well.
You should have the free flu jab if you have a long term condition such as:
- a heart problem
- a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including bronchitis, emphysema or severe asthma
- a kidney disease
- lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment)
- liver disease
- had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
- diabetes
- a neurological condition, e.g. multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy or learning disability
- a problem with your spleen, e.g. sickle cell disease, or you have had your spleen removed
- are seriously overweight (BMI of 40 and above)
This list of conditions isn’t definitive. It’s always an issue of clinical judgement. Your GP can assess you to take into account the risk of flu making any underlying illness you may have worse, as well as your risk of serious illness from flu itself.
How do I have my free flu jab?
To make an appointment to have your flu jab, speak to your GP or practice nurse. You can also speak to your local pharmacist, to book a vaccination appointment and get the best possible protection. For pregnant women, the vaccine may also be available through maternity services. The flu jab is free for those who are eligible. If you are not eligible for a free flu jab, you can still obtain one at your local pharmacy at a small cost.
You can download a list of Enfield Pharmacies offering the flu jab
How can I find more information?
For more information, you can download an information booklet about the flu jab.
You can also download an Easy Read information booklet about the flu jab.
Other ways to help stay well this Winter
Stay warm – one of the best ways to keep healthy during winter is to stay warm. Cold weather can affect your health, it increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, breathing problems, flu and other diseases. Keep your home heated to at least 18°C if you can. Dress warmly, wear shoes with good grip when heading outside, and look out for vulnerable people. If able, clear your drive and pathways to prevent accidents. Ensure you have plenty of warm food and drinks to keep you warm.
Sign up for the Priority Services Register – power and utility companies have schemes which make at-risk groups a priority for reconnection following power cuts. Find out more information such as if you meet the criteria and how to sign up on the Ofgem website.
More information on how to stay well this Winter can be found on the Enfield Council website.
