It’s that time of year again, even though it feels like yesterday I was last jabbed in the arm – most of us are use/waiting to receive a text message or a call from our GP surgery inviting us for the annual arm jab. This year will be very different when it comes to having a flu jab the government and NHS have extended the annual free Flu vaccination scheme in England to reach more people. With the ‘possibility’ of a second-wave of Covid-19 to hit during Flu season this winter,
My opinion, it’s hugely important to get vaccinated but that is just me having muscular dystrophy a Progressive muscle wasting condition just catching a common cold can be deadly so the flu just the same. But as much as I feel it’s incredibly important there are a few people that don’t feel comfortable having or have a reaction to the Flu vaccination.
What changed
The minimum eligible age has decreased. Children in year 7 will now be eligible and anyone who is on the shielding list and their household members.
- adults 65 and over
- people with certain medical conditions (including children in at-risk groups from 6 months of age)
- pregnant women
- people living with someone who’s at high risk from coronavirus (on the NHS shielded patient list)
- children aged 2 and 3 on 31 August 2020
- children in primary school
- children in year 7 (secondary school)
- frontline health or social care workers
Over time the list has evolved as more groups have been added and individuals by their GP or specialists. Normally if you was classed as an extra on the list you would have to get special permission from their GP for the Flu jab. Crazy I know as I see it if you need or want to protect yourself or loved ones you should be allowed.
Why should you roll up your sleeve and get vaccinated against flu?
Influenza (Flu) is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes unfortunately death. Every flu season is different, and the flu can affect people differently, but It does affect millions of people every year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized and thousands to tens of thousands of people die from flu-related causes every year.
An annual jab in the arm protects you from catching the flu and spreading it to others, which may help lessen the burden on hospitals and medical staffs.
It gives people a sense that there are some things you can control
Old wives tail – people have believed in the past that the flu vaccination contains the flu it is made with inactivated (“dead”) or weakened viruses, which are not infectious, However, a flu shot may cause slight flu-like symptoms that can last for a few days, such as: mild fever. a headache
Your GP should contact you about your Flu vaccination but it is important to speak up if you feel you may have been forgotten. You may have been added to the shielding list without your GP’s knowledge. If you’re still unsure about the flu vaccination speak to your nurse or GP get more information from them, they are after all the experts.
Happy arm jabbing when your time comes
💋 Kerry
How do you feel about the flu jab for it or not??
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