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Everyone is at risk of catching flu. It does not matter how fit and healthy you are, or your age.<\/p>\n
Dr Doyle said: “Flu can really knock you for six, and for some children and pregnant women it can mean becoming seriously ill or ending up in hospital.”<\/p>\n
The vaccine cannot give you flu. Instead, it helps your body know how to fight the virus.<\/p>\n
Children, from the age of two upwards, get a nasal spray version, while adults have an injection. A single dose is all that is needed to offer protection ahead of winter.<\/p>\n
High Street pharmacies are offering NHS flu vaccines, along with GPs and schools. People who do not qualify for a free jab can pay about \u00a310 to \u00a320 for one.<\/p>\n
School children and pregnant women can get a free NHS flu vaccine from September onwards. You can get a free one from October if you:<\/p>\n
are a child aged two or older who has not started school yet<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
are aged 65 or over<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
have certain long-term health conditions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
live in a care home<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
live with someone who has a weakened immune system<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
are experiencing homelessness or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
More adults are also being offered another vaccine this winter to protect against RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, which attacks the lungs.<\/p>\n
From this September, adults will be invited to have the vaccine when they are 65, rather than waiting until 75, if they have certain pre-existing health conditions, such as chronic lung disease.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n