Flu vaccine
Anyone can catch flu. It is highly infectious and is more common in the winter. Flu can make you feel ill. Although most people usually recover from flu within 2 to 7 days, some people become very ill and might need to go to hospital. It can lead to permanent disability or even death.
Find out more about the symptoms of flu and how to treat it yourself on the NHS website.
The flu vaccination for adults is an injection in your arm, which can help stop you catching flu and passing it on to other people.
The best time to have the vaccine is in the autumn, before the virus starts to spread widely. You need a flu vaccine every year as the flu virus can change each year. The vaccine is changed to match the flu viruses most likely to be spreading. The flu vaccine that is given to adults contains inactivated flu viruses that are dead so cannot give you flu. Your arm may feel a bit sore where you were injected and some people get a slight temperature and aching muscles for a day or two but other reactions are very rare.
The flu vaccine is also offered to toddlers and school age children as a nasal spray. The children’s flu nasal spray vaccine contains live but very weakened flu viruses that will not give your child flu, however some children may have similar symptoms.
Who can have a free flu vaccine
You'll be offered a free flu vaccine if you, or someone you are close to, are more likely to get very ill from flu. If you:
- are 65 years and older, including if you’ll be 65 years old by 31 March 2024
- are pregnant
- have certain long term health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or asthma
- are living in a residential or nursing home
- receive a carer’s allowance or are the main carer of an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
- live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection
- are a frontline worker in a social care setting
Find out more about who can have a free flu vaccine on the NHS website.
Toddlers and school age children
The free nasal flu vaccine given to toddlers and school age children is quick and easy to have and does not hurt.
The vaccine will help to:
- protect your child against flu and serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia
- reduce the chance of your child spreading the flu so protecting more vulnerable family and friends
- stop them missing out on school and other things they enjoy because of being ill with flu
Find out about flu vaccination for children on the NHS website.
Find flu vaccination guidance from the British Islamic Medical Association if you are unsure about giving consent for your child to have the flu nasal spray for faith reasons.
How to get your flu vaccine in Stockport
You can get flu vaccines:
- from your GP surgery, for children aged 2 or 3, adults at risk and adults over aged 65
- at participating community pharmacies, for adults at risk and adults over aged 65
- school, for the nasal flu vaccine given to children from reception to year 11
Find information about the flu vaccine on the NHS website.