The immunisation
Flu immunisation (the 'flu-jab') gives good protection against flu, and lasts for one year. The vaccine is normally ready by the autumn each year. It is made from the strain of influenza virus that is expected in the coming winter. You need a yearly immunisation to keep protected.
Flu immunisation does not prevent other virus infections which can cause coughs and colds. It protects only against the influenza virus that is expected in the coming winter. The flu immunisation does not cause illness. It is a coincidence if you develop a cough or cold shortly after having a flu immunisation.
Who should be immunised against the influenza virus?
The aim is to protect people who are more likely to develop complications from influenza. Current advice in the UK is that you should be immunised against the influenza virus each autumn if you:
* Are aged 65 or over.
* Have a any chronic (ongoing) lung diseases.
Examples include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, cystic fibrosis and severe asthma (needing regular steroid inhalers or tablets). It is also recommended for any child who has previously been admitted to hospital with a chest infection.
* Have a chronic heart disease.
Examples include angina, heart failure or if you have ever had a heart attack.
* Have a serious kidney disease.
Examples include nephrotic syndrome, kidney failure, a kidney transplant.
* Have a serious liver disease such as cirrhosis.
* Have diabetes and are taking either insulin or tablets for it.
* Have a poor immune system.
Examples include if you who are receiving chemotherapy or steroid treatment (for more than a month), if you have HIV/AIDS or if you have had your spleen removed.
* Have certain serious diseases of the nervous system such as multiple sclerosis.
* Live in a nursing home or other long stay residential care accommodation.
In addition to the main 'at risk' groups of people listed above:
* You should have the flu jab if you are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill with influenza.
* Staff involved in direct patient care may be offered a flu jab from their employer.
* If you work in close contact with poultry you should be immunised. This is a precautionary public health measure by the Department of Health.
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