Flu shot: Your best bet for avoiding influenza

The flu shot is given free on the NHS for those aged over 50 and people who have certain health conditions or who are more likely to get infections. If you are looking for the flu vaccination in Earlsfield then contact Pearl Chemist Group for friendly advice and to make an appointment.

Why have an annual flu shot?
An annual flu shot can save you from catching flu and infecting other people in your household and beyond. The flu shot doesn’t mean you won’t get flu but if you do then the symptoms won’t be as serious and you won’t be ill for as long.

The flu vaccine is available to certain groups of people for free on the NHS but anyone can book and have a flu shot at a pharmacy if they want to.

High-dose flu vaccines for older people

Older people can be vulnerable to the serious effects of seasonal influenza particuarly if they have other underlying health conditions like respiratory compromise or heart problems.

Older people like those who are imunno-supressed are at a high risk of influenza complications and are more likely to be hospitalised.

There is a high dose flu vaccine for older people because standard flu vaccines become less effective for those in the over 65 age group. This is because the immune system is less vigorous which is why a specific vaccine has been developed for older people to make sure they can receive the same level of protection against influenza.

A new flu vaccine was developed by Sanofi Pasteur for the over 65 age group and approved by the MHRA for use in the 2019/2020 flu season. This is now one of two newer vaccines recommended for use in older people to ensure they receive the same level of protection as those receiving the standard flu vaccine.

If you are looking for the flu vaccination in Earlsfield then contact Pearl Chemist Group who can advise you on the most appropriate vaccination for your age and health status. If you are worried that other medication you are on is going to cause a problem then discuss this with your GP or pharmacist first.