Get Winter Strong

What is Influenza (flu)?
Flu is caused by influenza viruses that infect the windpipe and lungs which are part of the respiratory system. There are several symptoms of flu including a sudden high temperature, an aching body and a dry cough. A full list of symptoms is available on the NHS website. It often gets better on its own but can lead to serious illness. It is important to get the flu vaccine ahead of winter if you are eligible to protect yourself.  

What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is an infectious disease that is caused by a particular type of coronavirus that infects the windpipe and lungs which are part of the respiratory system. There are a range of symptoms of COVID-19 including a new continuous cough, shortness of breath and an aching body. The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses including flu and a full list of symptoms is available on the NHS website. COVID-19 often gets better on its own but can lead to serious illness. It is important to get the COVID-19 vaccine ahead of winter if you are eligible to protect yourself.  

How do I stop flu and COVID-19 spreading?
Flu and COVID-19 are both very infectious, spread by germs from coughs and sneezes. COVID-19 can be spread very easily through close contact with people who have the virus, for example via breathing and speaking. Flu and COVID-19 spread by person to person via small droplets containing the virus being released from an infected person and then picked up by another person by breathing these droplets in or touching surfaces covered in them. 

The best way to avoid catching and spreading flu and COVID-19 is by getting vaccinated ahead of winter. You can help prevent the spread by covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and encourage children to do so, washing your hands frequently or using hand gels and cleaning surfaces you use regularly to reduce the risk of picking up the viruses. 

What should I do if I think I have flu or COVID-19?
The best way to avoid catching and spreading flu and COVID-19 is by getting vaccinated.

If you think that you have flu or COVID-19 you should:
•    try to stay at home 
•    rest and sleep
•    keep warm
•    take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains
•    drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration (your pee should be light yellow and clear) 

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 you should try and stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.

A pharmacist can give treatment advice. Please check on NHS.UK for further advice on how to look after yourself at home.
 
You may be at increased risk of getting seriously ill from flu and COVID-19, for example if you’re pregnant, aged 65 and over, have certain health conditions or a weakened immune system. If you are in one of these categories and are showing symptoms, if your symptoms are getting worse or you don’t think that you can look after yourself at home, ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111.

You should call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child experience sudden chest pain, become very breathless, develop a rash, start coughing up blood or if your symptoms are making you very unwell. 

Can I have the vaccine if I feel unwell?
If you are unwell, wait until you have recovered to have your vaccine. You should not attend an appointment if you have a fever or think you might be infectious to others.

Should I get the vaccines if I think I have already had flu or COVID-19?
If you think you’ve already had flu or COVID-19, once you’ve recovered you should still get the vaccines as they will still help protect you.

Is there anyone that shouldn’t get the vaccines?
Almost everybody can have the vaccines, but you should not be vaccinated if you have ever had a serious allergy (eg. anaphylaxis) to any of the flu or COVID-19 vaccines, or any of their ingredients – you should discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist. 

If you are allergic to eggs you may not be able to have certain types of flu vaccine – check with your immuniser. If you have a fever, the vaccination may be delayed until you are better.

I’ve only just had my first or second COVID-19 vaccine, can I have the autumn booster jab? 
No, the JCVI advises that the booster vaccine should be offered no earlier than three months after completion of the primary vaccine course. 

I haven’t yet had the COVID-19 vaccination, can I still get my first jabs? 
Since the end of the spring 2023 COVID-19 campaign, the primary course of COVID-19 vaccine became a targeted offer to those at higher risk and only during seasonal campaigns. This means during this autumn winter programme, those eligible for the primary course COVID-19 vaccination will be the same as those eligible for the seasonal vaccine.

The main exception to this would be unvaccinated individuals aged five years and above who become or have recently become severely immunosuppressed. These individuals should be considered for primary vaccination, regardless of the time of year. Clinical judgement should be used to decide on the best timing to commence vaccination
Do I need to receive the same type of vaccine or booster as my previous ones?
No, all COVID-19 vaccines authorised for use by the NHS are effective and provide a strong booster response. When you attend your appointment, the NHS will offer you a safe, effective vaccine.

What type of flu vaccine will I be given?
For adults, there are several types of flu vaccine depending upon your age. 
•    adults are offered an injectable vaccine. There are different types, including low-egg and egg-free ones
•    adults aged 65 years and over – the most common flu vaccine contains an extra ingredient to help your immune system make a stronger response to the vaccine

Most children over the age of 2 are offered a nasal spray vaccine – this is given as a quick and painless spray up the nose. Those aged under 2 and a small number of children due to pre-existing medical conditions or treatments cannot have the nasal spray and are offered protection through an injected vaccine instead.

What type of COVID-19 vaccine will I be given?
There are several different COVID-19 vaccines in use in the UK. They have all met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness. Most people can have any of the COVID-19 vaccines and will be offered a vaccine that gives protection from more than one type of COVID-19. You cannot choose which vaccine you have.

Some people are only offered certain vaccines, for example:

•    if you're pregnant
•    if you're under 18 years old
•    if you're 75 years old or over
•    in very rare cases if you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to one of the common vaccines you may be referred to a specialist clinic for an alternative COVID-19 vaccine

The flu vaccine is offered to people most at risk of getting seriously ill from flu or who are most likely to pass flu to other people at risk. The following people are eligible for the free flu vaccine this season:
•    all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2023
•    all school aged children (from Reception to Year 11)
•    those aged 6 months of age upwards in a clinical risk group (as set out in the Green Book)
•    people that are pregnant 
•    those aged 65 years and over
•    those in long-stay residential care homes
•    carers in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
•    those that live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone living with HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
•    frontline workers in a social care setting that do not have access to occupational health

Which health conditions make me eligible for a flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is offered to anyone with a serious health condition, including:
•    respiratory conditions, ie asthma, chronic pulmonary disease, including emphysema and bronchitis, cystic fibrosis
•    diabetes
•    heart conditions such as coronary heart disease or heart failure 
•    being very overweight – a BMI of 40 or above 
•    chronic kidney disease
•    liver disease, such as hepatitis
•    neurological conditions, ie Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
•    a learning disability 
•    problems with your spleen, eg sickle cell
•    a weakened immune system as the result of conditions ie HIV and AIDs or taking steroids or chemotherapy 

A full list of clinical risk groups is included in Chapter 19 of the Green Book. If you have a condition that is not included in the list, you can speak to your GP who can offer a flu vaccine if they think you are at risk of serious complications from catching flu.

Seasonal COVID-19 vaccines are offered to those at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 – this may be due to a health condition or age. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has recommended the following groups should be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine this autumn/winter:
•    residents and staff in a care home for older adults
•    people that are pregnant 
•    all adults aged 65 years and over
•    frontline health and social care workers
•    persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as defined in tables 3 and 4 of the COVID-19 chapter of the Green book
•    persons aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts, as defined in the Green book, of people with immunosuppression
•    persons aged 16 to 64 years who are carers, as defined in the Green book

Which health conditions make me eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination?
The COVID-19 vaccine is offered to those with a serious health condition. Those that can get the COVID-19 vaccine due to a health condition are broadly similar to those that can get a flu vaccine including:

•    respiratory conditions, ie poorly controlled asthma, chronic pulmonary disease, including emphysema and bronchitis, cystic fibrosis
•    diabetes
•    heart conditions such as coronary heart disease or heart failure 
•    being very overweight – a BMI of 40 or above 
•    chronic kidney disease
•    liver disease, such as hepatitis
•    neurological conditions, ie Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
•    a learning disability 
•    those with a severe mental illness
•    problems with your spleen, eg sickle cell
•    a weakened immune system as the result of conditions ie HIV and AIDs or taking steroids or chemotherapy 

A full list of clinical risk groups is included in tables 3 and 4 in Chapter 14a of the Green Book. 

Why should I get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines?

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines have good safety records and are an effective way to protect yourself from the Flu and COVID-19 viruses.

While flu and COVID-19 can be unpleasant, for some it can be very dangerous and even life threatening, particularly people with certain health conditions, older people and pregnant women. For them, it can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia or can make existing conditions worse.  Every winter, thousands die from flu and people can still get very ill or die from COVID-19.

Children aged under 5 have one of the highest hospitalisation rates for flu. Last year more than 6,000 under 5s in England were hospitalised by flu, and many more needed care in accident and emergency. The vaccine reduces a child’s chance of needing hospital care for flu by around two thirds.

Having your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will reduce your risk of serious illness and help you recover more quickly if you catch the viruses. The vaccines have kept tens of thousands of people out of hospital and helped to save countless lives and they give you better protection than any immunity gained from previous infections. They also help protect your family and other people in your community, by helping to stop diseases spreading.

In winter, flu and COVID-19 spread more easily as we spend more time indoors. Getting these vaccines ahead of winter are two of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and others around you safe and ‘get winter strong’.

Are the vaccines safe?
The flu and COVID-19 vaccines have a good safety record, and their side effects are generally mild and do not last for more than a few days. Your safety will always come first and there are rigorous safety standards that have to be met through the approval process.  

As with any medicine, vaccines are highly regulated products. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the official UK regulator is globally recognised for requiring the highest standards of safety, quality and effectiveness for medicines and vaccines. There are checks at every stage in the development and manufacturing process. Each of the vaccines are tested on tens of thousands of people across the world. They are tested on both men and women, on people from different ethnic backgrounds, and of all age groups. 

Like any other vaccine or medicine, the flu and COVID-19 vaccines are being continuously monitored for safety – the effected benefits of the vaccines far outweigh risk in the majority of patients. You and your healthcare professional can report any suspected side effects through the tried and trusted Yellow Card Scheme.

How do vaccines work?
Vaccines teach your immune system how to create antibodies that protect you from diseases. It's usually much safer for your immune system to learn this through vaccination than by catching the diseases and treating them. Once your immune system knows how to fight a disease, it can often protect you.

Are there any side effects from the vaccines?
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines have a good safety record. All adult flu and COVID-19 vaccines are given by injection into the muscle of the upper arm.

Most side effects are mild and only last for a day or so, such as:
•    having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection. This tends to be worst around a day or two following the vaccination
•    feeling tired 
•    headache 
•    general aches, or mild flu like symptoms. 

Try these tips to help reduce the discomfort:
•    rest
•    continue to move your arm regularly
•    take a painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen – some people, including those who are pregnant, should not take ibuprofen unless a doctor recommends it.

Symptoms following vaccination normally last less than a week. If you experience a high temperature, if your symptoms seem to get worse or if you are concerned, you can call NHS 111. 

Worldwide, there have been very rare cases of inflammation of the heart called myocarditis or pericarditis reported after some COVID-19 vaccinations. These cases have been seen mostly in younger men within several days after vaccination. Most of these people recovered and felt better following rest and simple treatments. 

You should seek medical advice urgently if, after vaccination, you experience: 
•    chest pain 
•    shortness of breath 
•    feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart 

You can report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines through the Yellow Card Scheme:
•    online at Yellow Card Scheme
•    by downloading and using the Yellow Card app on Apple or Android
•    by calling the Yellow Card scheme on 0800 731 6789 (9am to 5pm)

Will I be invited to get my winter vaccines?
You may be invited to get your winter vaccines by the NHS nationally or your GP practice through a letter, text or email. Don’t worry if you do not receive this. If you are eligible, you do not have to wait for this before booking an appointment. If you receive an invite from the NHS and have already been vaccinated do not worry, sometimes there is a delay in the information flowing through and you do not need to do anything. 

How can I book my winter vaccines?
To get your COVID-19 vaccination:
•    Book online at www.nhs.uk/book-covid – You may be asked if you want a flu vaccination at the same appointment
•    Use the NHS App

To get your flu vaccination:
•    Contact your GP surgery
•    Find your nearest pharmacy offering the vaccine at www.nhs.uk/flu-pharmacy 
•    Some pharmacies are offering appointments online at www.nhs.uk/book-a-flu-vaccination or on the NHS App. 

For the Isle of Wight:

To have your COVID-19 vaccination at St Mary's Hospital, you can use National Booking Service to make your appointment. Slots are added each day, so if you cannot see one available for the Isle of Wight immediately, please check again later. You can also be vaccinated at your GP practice. Please wait for your invitation to book an appointment before contacting them.

If you need support:
•    If you can’t get online, phone 119 for help arranging your vaccinations. Interpreters will be available on request
•    If you usually get your care at home, please contact your GP surgery to arrange a home visit with a local NHS service.
•    If you are housebound or are not able to travel to a vaccination centre, your local NHS services will be in touch to make arrangements.
•    If you have difficulties communicating or hearing, or are a British Sign Language (BSL) user you can go online at NHS.UK, use textphone 18001 119 or the NHS BSL interpreter service.

Below are the details of any walk-in sites available for eligible people to receive their COVID-19 vaccination without booking an appointment. 

Dates will be added as the programme rolls out over the next few months so please check here for updates.

Where will my child receive their winter vaccines?
Your child will receive their COVID-19 vaccine at a local vaccination centre or community pharmacy. 

For the flu vaccine:

What COVID-19 vaccine will my child receive?
Comirnaty 10 (XBB.1.5)

What flu vaccine will my child receive?
•    Most children over the age of 2 are offered a nasal spray vaccine – this is given as a quick and painless spray up the nose. 
•    A small number cannot have it due to pre-existing medical conditions or treatments and are offered protection through an injected vaccine instead. 
•    The nasal spray contains small traces of porcine gelatine. For those who may not accept the use of porcine gelatine in medicines, an injectable vaccine is available. If your child is aged between 6 months and 2 years old and is in a clinical risk group for flu, they will be offered an injected flu vaccine as the nasal spray is not licensed for children under the age of 2. 

Are there any children that shouldn’t get the nasal flu vaccine?
Some children will be offered the injected flu vaccine if they have:
•    a severely weakened immune system
•    asthma that's being treated with steroid tablets or has needed intensive care in hospital
•    a flare-up of asthma symptoms (such as they've been wheezy in the past 72 hours or are currently wheezy) and need to use a reliever inhaler more than usual
•    had an allergic reaction to a flu vaccine in the past
•    a condition that needs salicylate treatment

Children will also be offered the injected flu vaccine if they live with somebody with a severely weakened immune system who requires isolation (for example, someone who has had a bone marrow transplant).

If you're not sure, check with the school aged immunisation service team, the nurse or GP at your surgery, or the specialist if your child has hospital care.

The nasal spray vaccine contains small traces of pork gelatine. If you do not accept the use of pork gelatine in medical products, the injected vaccine is available as an alternative.

Side effects of the children's flu vaccine
The nasal spray flu vaccine for children has an excellent safety record. Most side effects are mild and do not last long, such as:
•    a runny or blocked nose
•    a headache
•    tiredness
•    loss of appetite

Should I get the flu and seasonal COVID-19 vaccines while I’m pregnant?
If you’re pregnant you're at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu and COVID-19. 
There is good evidence that pregnant people have a higher chance of developing complications if they get flu, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. One of the most common complications of flu is bronchitis, a chest infection that can become serious and develop into pneumonia. If you have flu while you're pregnant, it could cause your baby to be born prematurely or have a low birthweight, it increases the need for admission to intensive care for mum and baby and may even lead to stillbirth or death. If you get flu and also get COVID-19 at the same time, the symptoms are likely to be more serious.

Getting your winter vaccines is the safest and most effective way for people to protect themselves and their baby against COVID-19 and it also reduces the risk of having a stillbirth. The antibodies your body produces in response to the vaccine can also give your baby protection against flu and COVID-19 which lasts for the first few months of their lives.

It's safe to have the flu and COVID-19 vaccine during any stage of pregnancy, from the first few weeks up to your expected due date. It's also safe for people who are breastfeeding to have the vaccines. There's no evidence flu and COVID-19 vaccination increases the risk of having a miscarriage, pre-term birth or other complications in your pregnancy. It's strongly recommended that you get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 ahead of winter to protect you and your baby. 

Can I get the flu and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time while pregnant?
It’s safe to receive the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. You may be offered them at the same time or you may be offered, or to decide to have them, separately. Where possible, we encourage you to get both vaccines in the same appointment to save you time and ensure you are protected against both viruses. If this is not possible, we encourage you to get each vaccine as soon as you can, rather than waiting to get both at the same time. If you receive both vaccines in one appointment but originally booked two, please do cancel the other appointment so that it becomes available for someone else.

Can I have the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time as the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine?
Yes, you can have the vaccines at the same time as the whooping cough vaccine (pertussis vaccine), but do not delay your winter vaccines so you can have all of the vaccines at the same time. Pregnant people are at risk of severe illness from flu and COVID-19 at any stage of pregnancy, so you need to have the vaccines as soon as possible. The best time to get vaccinated against whooping cough is from 16 weeks up to 32 weeks of pregnancy. If you miss having the vaccine for any reason, you can still have it up until you go into labour.

What winter vaccines will I receive while pregnant?
You will be offered a vaccine that is suitable for you. If you have any questions, you can discuss these with your GP practice or maternity team.