The NHS offers a free flu jab to those at risk of serious complications from the flu. However, if you aren’t eligible for the free flu jab you can pay to have the vaccination privately at most pharmacies or in supermarkets. How much is the flu jab in Tesco this year?
The NHS normally offers a free flu jab to those over 65, pregnant people, those with certain medical conditions, and more.
However, this year the flu vaccine will be given to those aged 50 and up.
It will also be given to children in primary school or year 7, some health and social care workers, those who suffer from severe long-term health conditions, and those who care for someone at increased risk of COVID-19.
While the flu vaccine does not protect you against COVID-19, extending the availability to a larger demographic will support the NHS.
Experts think increasing flu jabs will reduce the amount of hospitalisations during flu season, therefore reducing pressure on the NHS.
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Health Secretary Matt Hancock said earlier this year: “It’s mission-critical that we pull out all the stops to get ready for winter, and the Prime Minister has already announced £3 billion to protect the NHS.
“We are now taking another important step to help protect the wider public by giving the flu vaccination to more people than ever before.
“This will be the biggest flu vaccination programme in history and will help protect our NHS as we head into winter.
“If you are eligible for a free vaccine, whether it’s for the first time or because you usually receive one, then I would urge you to get it, not just to protect yourself, but to protect the NHS and your loved ones from flu.”
Are there any side effects?
It’s rare for the injected flu vaccine to cause any serious side effects.
However, you should be aware that you may have a mild high temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days after having the vaccine.
If you have the nasal spray vaccine, you may find you have a runny or blocked nose, a headache, tiredness, and some loss of appetite.
If you have had a severe reaction to a flu jab in the past, you should not have one this year.