Final date you must get your flu jab for defense forward of Christmas

Britons eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine, together with these over the age of 65, are being urged to get a flu vaccination by November 17 to assist shield themselves, their family members and the NHS earlier than the festive season begins in December.

Flu could make individuals really feel very unwell and should pose a critical danger to these thought of to be weak, which incorporates these teams who’re eligible for a free NHS flu jab.

The message comes from Claire Nevinson, superintendent pharmacist at Boots. She mentioned: “It’s a good suggestion to plan forward and guarantee you have got your flu jab as early as doable to assist shield your self from flu and cut back the danger of passing the virus to others this winter.

“The flu vaccination stimulates an immune system response by producing antibodies towards the virus. It usually takes between 10 and 14 days after having the flu jab for the physique to develop sufficient antibodies to supply safety.

“Subsequently, I like to recommend all these eligible for a free NHS flu jab to get theirs by 17 November 2023 to permit sufficient time for defense to start out from the start of December, when the socialising and festive actions usually begin to happen.”

Claire continued: “It’s significantly essential for these over the age of 65, who is likely to be socialising greater than they often would with household visiting over Christmas.

“Folks on this age bracket are additionally thought of extra prone to develop probably critical issues from flu.

“When you can’t get the jab earlier than November 17, please don’t fear, simply attempt to ensure you get vaccinated as early as you may. Having the flu jab doesn’t assure you received’t get flu, however when you do, it’s prone to be milder and never final as lengthy.”

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who:

• are 65 and over (together with those that will probably be 65 by 31 March 2024)
• have sure well being circumstances
• are pregnant
• are in long-stay residential care
• obtain a carer’s allowance, or are the primary carer for an older or disabled one who could also be in danger when you get sick
• dwell with somebody who’s extra prone to get a extreme an infection resulting from a weakened immune system, akin to somebody dwelling with HIV, somebody who has had a transplant, or is having sure therapies for most cancers, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

Boots provides the free NHS flu jab at most of its shops. To search out out extra and guide a flu jab, go to boots.com/flu. However you can too do the next:

• contact your GP surgical procedure to guide an appointment
• discover a pharmacy that provides NHS flu vaccination (when you’re aged 18 or over)
• guide a flu vaccination appointment on-line or within the NHS App (when you’re aged 18 or over)

The NHS advises: “Having a flu vaccine might assist cease you spreading flu to different individuals who could possibly be extra prone to critical issues from flu.

“It could actually take 10 to 14 days for the flu vaccine to work.”