NHS and Private Flu Vaccinations

Getting the flu vaccine is a great idea. Maybe you are worried about catching the flu, or you are concerned about having time off work. Or maybe you just want to make sure you do not pass it on to the more vulnerable members of your family. Whatever the reason, having the flu vaccine against this year’s strain of seasonal flu can give you protection and peace of mind. Southdowns Pharmacy Group offers NHS and private flu vaccinations across Emsworth, Havant, Leigh Park and Rowlands Castle.

The Importance Of The Flu Vaccine

The significance of flu vaccination lies in the fact that, although flu is disagreeable for the majority of individuals, it can pose a risk and potentially be life-threatening for certain individuals, especially those with specific health conditions.
The optimal period for receiving your flu vaccination is during autumn or early winter, prior to the onset of flu transmission. However, it is still possible to obtain your vaccine at a later time.

Who Is Eligible For The Free NHS Flu Vaccine

The following patient groups are eligible for the free NHS vaccination:

are aged 65 or over
have certain long-term health conditions (see below)
are pregnant
live in a care home
are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
live with someone who has a weakened immune system

Please note that eligibility criteria for the NHS flu vaccine may change based on the guidelines set by the NHS. The information provided here is accurate as of the time of writing and is subject to updates according to NHS guidelines.

Chronic respiratory disease: Asthma that requires continuous or repeated use of inhaled or systemic steroids or with previous exacerbations requiring hospital admission. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including chronic bronchitis and emphysema; bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung fibrosis, pneumoconiosis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). In addition to those with chronic respiratory disease, children who have previously been admitted to hospital for lower respiratory tract disease. See precautions section on LAIV.
Chronic heart disease and vascular disease: Congenital heart disease, hypertension with cardiac complications, chronic heart failure, individuals requiring regular medication and/or follow-up for ischaemic heart disease. This includes individuals with atrial fibrillation, peripheral vascular disease or a history of venous thromboembolism.
Chronic kidney disease: Chronic kidney disease at stage 3, 4 or 5, chronic kidney failure, nephrotic syndrome, kidney transplantation.
Chronic neurological disease: Stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Conditions in which respiratory function may be compromised due to neurological or neuromuscular disease (for example polio syndrome sufferers). Clinicians should offer immunisation, based on individual assessment, to clinically vulnerable individuals including those with cerebral palsy, severe or profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), Down’s syndrome, multiple sclerosis, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease and related or similar conditions; or hereditary and degenerative disease of the nervous system or muscles; or severe neurological disability.
Diabetes and adrenal insufficiency: Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes requiring insulin or oral hypoglycaemic drugs, diet-controlled diabetes. Addison’s disease, secondary or tertiary adrenal insufficiency requiring steroid replacement.
Immunosuppression: People with weakened immune systems due to cancer treatment, organ or stem cell transplants, HIV, inherited immune disorders, or autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. These individuals may respond less well to vaccines.
Morbid obesity (class III obesity): Adults with a Body Mass Index ≥40 kg/m².
Pregnant women: Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy (first, second or third trimesters). See precautions section on live attenuated influenza vaccine.
Household contacts of people with immunosuppression: Individuals who expect to share living accommodation on most days (and therefore for whom continuing close contact is unavoidable) with individuals who are immunosuppressed (defined as immunosuppressed in table 19.4).
Carers: Those who are eligible for a carer’s allowance, or those who are the sole or primary carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.

Private Flu Vaccine Available

If you do not qualify for a free NHS flu vaccine (see above) we can still provide you with a private flu vaccination for the cost of £20.00 (seasonal introductory offer).