Flu vaccine 2020: Is the flu shot available now?

Flu vaccines are given every year to those at risk of catching flu and is offered on the NHS for free to those who are eligible. The Government has, this year, decided to ramp up its flu vaccination programme, with an estimated 30million people in England expected to be offered a free flu shot this year. The move to extend the programme comes amid increasing concerns of the impact of winter flu season coinciding with a potential second wave in coronavirus cases, ultimately overwhelming the NHS.

Some 15 million flu vaccines were distributed last year, but the Government has extended the programme to include free jabs for over 50s and all school year groups up to year 7.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he wants “everybody to get a flu jab” after experts raised concerns of the potential collision.

Mr Johnson said: “We want everybody to get a flu jab in the run up to this winter and that’s why we’re rolling out the biggest ever programme of flu immunisation.

“And we’re aiming first of all for schoolchildren up to year 7, for pregnant women, for people over 65, for people who are shielded, but then we will be extending it to people who are 50 to 65.”

Is the flu shot available now?

According to the NHS, the best time to have a flu shot is in the autumn, just before the virus begins circulating.

The autumn period runs from the start of October, but the NHS says even if it is later, it is still worth getting vaccinated.

If you want to get vaccinated against the flu, you can book an appointment with your GP, pharmacy or midwife, in the case of pregnant women.

The Government has said its aim is for all those eligible to have been vaccinated by Christmas at the latest.

Mr Johnson said: “Now the reason for doing this is to protect the NHS in the winter months because obviously we have still got Covid.

“We have still got the threat of a second spike on Covid and it’s vital therefore to keep the pressure off the NHS by everybody getting a flu jab and I really hope everybody will.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the programme extension was part of a “mission critical” plan to prepare the NHS for the winter.

Mr Hancock said: “If you are eligible for a free vaccine, whether it’s for the first time or because you usually receive one, I would urge you to get it, not just to protect yourself, but to protect the NHS and your loved ones from flu.”

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Which type of flu vaccine should I get?

There are a number of different types of flu vaccine, administered for different reasons.

If you are eligible for a free flu shot on the NHS, you will be offered the one most effective for your age group.

Children aged 2 to 17 are offered a live vaccine, which has been weakened so as to not cause flu, (LAIV) in the form of nasal spray.

Adults aged 18 to 64 are offered an inactivated vaccine; there are different versions, but none contains live viruses so it cannot give you flu.

Adults aged 65 and over are offering an injected inactive vaccine as well.

The most common one contains an adjuvant to help your immune system have a stronger response to the vaccine.

If your child is aged between 6months and 2-years-old and is in a high-risk category for flu, they will be offered an injected vaccine as the nasal spray is not licensed for children under 2.

For more information about these vaccines, talk to your GP, nurse or pharmacist.

Are there any side effects to the flu vaccine?

The NHS says serious side effects of the infected flu virus are extremely rare.

People may experience a mild temperature and aching muscles for a few days after having the shot.

Some people may also experience pain in the arm in the spot where the injection was inserted.

Side effects of the nasal spray vaccine can include a runny or blocked nose, headache, tiredness and some loss of appetite.

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