FLU VACCINATIONS

FLU & FLU VACCINATIONS

With over 50 years of experience within the Crouch End community, it is our obligation to engage with our customers on their wellbeing and health management. As we get near winter, the significance of getting a flu vaccination to avoid flu related diseases such as bronchitis and pneumonia are huge. At Petter Pharmacy we have an open door policy that means you can come on your own, with friends or with your family to our pharmacy at any time during opening hours, from Monday to Sunday and get your flu vaccine within 15 minutes for free if you have an NHS exemption card or at a fixed price of £16.99.


Every flu season is different and each individual is affected differently. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalised and tens of thousands of people die from flu-related causes. The flu virus also affects fit and healthy people.
Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine.


The NHS flu vaccination is available FREE of charge if you are:

  • 65 or over
  • Pregnant
  • Suffer from long-term illnesses
  • Front line health, social care workers and main carer
  • NHS Improvement staff
  • London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance staff

WHY IS IT A YEARLY?

A yearly flu vaccine is the first and most important step in shielding yourself against influenza viruses. Getting vaccinated mean reducing the chances of becoming ill, doctors’ visits, missing out on work and school, and eliminating the potential threat of getting hospitalised. We must bear in mind that every flu season is different and each individual is affected differently. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalised and tens of thousands die from flu-related causes.

HOW IT WORKS

The vaccine works by causing antibodies to develop in the body about two to three weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine. This would then protect you against the common influenza, reduce the risks of a viral infection to children, the elderly, those with weak immune system and pregnant women. The vaccine does not provide a 100% protections, however, it significantly diminishes the severity and symptoms of flu.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The flu vaccine is for everyone, but specifically for those that are:

  • 65 or over
  • Pregnant
  • Suffer from long-term illnesses
  • Children
  • Front line health, social care workers and main carer
  • Corporate employees
  • Sports men and women

65 & Over

You are eligible for the 2018-2019 free flu vaccine at Petter Pharmacy if you have an NHS exemption card. The other good news is if you are bound to be 65 by March 31, 2019, you are entitle to get a flu vaccine as a 65 or over person.

  • Reduces the risk of long-term respiratory diseases for those that have in the past have been admitted to hospital or require inhalers. It also lowers cardiac events among people with heart disease.

Pregnant

You can get the flu vaccine at any stage of the pregnancy. When you have a baby brewing, you're at an increased risk for flu-related complications, so it's particularly important to get vaccinated.

  • Reduces the risks of potential miscarriage. In the latter stage of the pregnancy it reduces the chance of catching pneumonia and protects the baby by providing flu immunity during the early months of infancy

Long-term Illness

If you suffer from chronic respiratory diseases such as Asthma and COPD, heart diseases, liver diseases, neurological conditions or problems, which can lead to complication caused by flu infections, it is best that you get a flu vaccine to reduce any potential or fatal risks.

  • Reduces the risk of long-term respiratory diseases for those that have in the past been admitted to hospital or require an inhaler
  • Reduces the risks of cardiac events among people with heart disease.
  • Reduces the risk of flu related complications becoming fatal due to bronchitis or pneumonia.
  • Reduces the risk of flu related complications as neurological conditions affect the lungs.
  • Reduces the risks of flu infections leading to bronchitis and pneumonia.

Children

Parents, you are strongly advised to get your children vaccinated to reduce the threat of a flu and flu-related infection.

  • Reduces the risks of fatal flu infections leading to bronchitis and pneumonia.

Children up to the age of 9 years should be offered a FREE vaccination at school.

Frontline Health, Social Care Workers & Main Carer

If you are a frontline health or social care worker, you are extremely exposed to the flu virus and risk getting contamination, therefore, it is best that you get a flu vaccine to avoid getting contaminated if there is a flu outbreak.

  • Reduces the risks of flu infections leading to bronchitis and pneumonia.

Local Business and Corporates

If your company is looking to avoid employees missing work due to flu during the winter months, we can make an arrangement to vaccinate your staffs’ members to ensure that your workforce is consistent throughout the winter months.

  • Reduces absenteeism, the risks of flu infections leading to bronchitis and pneumonia.

Sports Men & Women

The flu virus also affects fit and healthy people, therefore, if you are seriously involved in a sporting activity it is advised to get the flu vaccine.

  • Reduces the risks of flu infections leading to bronchitis and pneumonia.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will I catch flu if I am vaccinated?

The injectable flu shot contains viruses that are literally dead. But because flu season typically coincides with cough and cold season, people may mistake cold symptoms for flu systems.

If I catch a cold despite having been vaccinated, can I get another flu jab?

For the 2018-2019 season, the flu shot (inactivated influenza vaccine or IIV) or the recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV). The nasal spray flu vaccine, also known as the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), should not be used again during 2018-2019

How many shots will I get during this process?

You only need to get one shot to protect you from the risks of flu infections.

How can I avoid the side effects?

If you tend to get anxious before getting a shot, be sure to eat and drink something beforehand to help prevent nerve-related nausea.

What is the likelihood of me having an allergic reactions from the flu vaccine?

If you are allergic to eggs or think you might be, talk to our pharmacist before getting your flu jab.