Looking to get your Flu Vaccination at McCormacks Pharmacy? The seasonal flu vaccine (flu jab) protects against four strains of the flu virus. These are the strains most likely to be circulating this flu season.
The vaccine is available every year to adults and children at risk of flu and its complications.
How does the Flu vaccine work?
The flu vaccine helps your immune system to produce antibodies (proteins that fight infection).
If you’ve had the flu vaccine and you come into contact with the flu virus, the vaccine can stop you from getting sick as the flu vaccine starts to work within 2 weeks.
The reason you need to have the flu vaccine on a yearly basis is because the antibodies that protect you decline over time. Flu strains can also change from year to year.
Who is eligible for A free Flu Vaccine?
If you meet any of the criteria below you are eligible for a Free Flu Vaccine:
- If you are 65 years of age and over
- If you are are pregnant
- If you are an adult or (child aged 6 months or older) with a long-term health condition like : chronic heart/liver disease, chronic renal failure, respiratory disease, Chronic neurological diabetes mellitus,haemoglobinopathies, morbid obesity, immunosuppression due to disease or treatment (including treatment for cancer.
- If you live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility.
- If you work in a healthcare environment.
- If you are a carer or live with someone who is at risk of flu because of a long-term health condition.
- are a carer or live with someone who has Down syndrome
If you are in an at-risk group, you should get the flu vaccine during Autumn.