As we get older, our bodies aren’t as good at fighting off illnesses. This makes the flu a bigger concern for anyone over 65. Each year, the flu changes, which is why it’s so important to get your flu jab annually. By getting vaccinated, you’re giving yourself the best chance of staying healthy and avoiding complications that could lead to serious illness.
Why Is the Flu Vaccine Important?
As we age, our immune systems become less effective. This means people over 65 are more likely to become seriously ill if they catch the flu. In the UK, older adults are at a higher risk of complications such as pneumonia or worsening of existing conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Getting the flu jab helps to prevent these complications and reduces the risk of hospitalisation.
The NHS also relies on people getting vaccinated to ease the pressure on healthcare services. This is especially true during winter when hospital admissions tend to increase. Flu vaccinations help to reduce the number of people needing hospital care, freeing up resources for those who need them most. With COVID-19 still present, it’s even more important to protect yourself from illness this season.
How and Where to Get the Flu Vaccine
The NHS offers the flu vaccine free of charge to anyone aged 65 and over. You can get the vaccine at your GP surgery, most pharmacies, or through home visits if you’re unable to leave your house. These vaccines are part of the NHS’s commitment to keeping older adults protected and healthy during flu season.
Although it’s ideal to get the vaccine early in the season, it’s still highly beneficial to get vaccinated at any time during the flu season. Even if you missed the recommended early window, it’s not too late to protect yourself. Flu season typically peaks in the colder months, so getting vaccinated now can still help reduce your risk of catching the flu and developing serious complications.
If you aren’t eligible for a free NHS vaccine, many private pharmacies offer the flu jab at a reasonable cost.
What’s New with the Flu Jab in 2024?
Each year, the flu virus changes, and for 2024, the flu jab has been updated to target the strains predicted to circulate this season. The World Health Organization (WHO) carefully selects the strains to ensure the vaccine provides the best possible protection.
In the UK, if you’re aged 65 or older, you’ll be offered one of two special vaccines designed to give extra protection. One is the adjuvanted quadrivalent influenza vaccine (aQIV). This contains an ingredient that helps your immune system create a stronger response. The other option is the high-dose quadrivalent vaccine (QIV-HD), which includes a higher dose of the virus component to improve protection. Both of these vaccines are recommended by the NHS as they offer better protection than the standard flu jab for older adults.
These vaccines help prevent serious flu complications, like pneumonia, that can result in hospitalisation, especially for people over 65. If these vaccines aren’t available, the standard flu jab is still effective and a great alternative.
How Effective Is the Flu Vaccine for Older Adults?
The flu vaccine plays a vital role in protecting older adults from serious health complications. Research shows that the vaccine can reduce the risk of flu illnesses by 40% to 60% in seasons where the vaccine is well-matched to the circulating strains. While the vaccine may not prevent all cases of flu, it greatly lowers the chances of severe complications.
Even if you do catch the flu, the vaccine helps ensure that your illness is milder and shorter in duration. This is particularly important for older adults, whose immune systems may not respond as effectively.”
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
Flu vaccines are especially important for older adults, particularly those aged 65 and over. This is because they are at higher risk of complications like pneumonia or worsening of existing health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes. It’s equally important for anyone with chronic health issues, regardless of age, as the flu can make managing these conditions even harder.
Caregivers and healthcare workers, who come into close contact with vulnerable people, should also prioritise getting vaccinated. By protecting themselves, they reduce the risk of passing the flu to those they care for.
Pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are also encouraged to get the flu jab,. This is because their bodies may find it harder to fight off infection. By getting vaccinated, they not only protect themselves but also help safeguard those around them.
How Home Care Services Support Flu Vaccination for Older Adults
Home care services can play a vital role in helping older adults stay protected during flu season. For clients who may forget their appointments or find it difficult to organise a trip to the GP or pharmacy, carers can help by providing gentle reminders and assisting with transport. If you’re unable to leave home, your carer can help arrange for a healthcare professional to visit and administer the flu vaccine in the comfort of your home.
Having a dedicated home care team ensures that you don’t have to manage everything on your own. They can offer reassurance, help monitor your health after the vaccine, and make sure you’re feeling well. With the flu vaccine, your Caregivers are there to support you every step of the way.
Common Questions and Misconceptions
One of the most common concerns about the flu vaccine is the worry that it might give you the flu. Rest assured, this is not the case. The flu vaccine contains inactivated (dead) flu viruses, which means it can’t cause the flu. Instead, it helps your body build up protection against the virus.
After receiving the flu jab, some people may experience mild side effects. This can include soreness at the injection site, a low-grade fever, or mild aches. These reactions are normal and usually go away within a day or two. Importantly, these side effects are much less severe than actually catching the flu, which can lead to serious complications, especially in older adults.
It’s also safe to receive both the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 booster at the same time. Many healthcare professionals recommend doing so, as it’s a convenient way to protect yourself against both viruses during flu season.
Stay Protected This Flu Season
Flu season is here, and it’s important to get your flu jab to stay protected. For older adults, the vaccine plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of serious flu-related complications, such as hospitalisation. By getting vaccinated, you’re safeguarding your health and helping to protect those around you.
Booking your flu vaccination is easy. You can contact your GP, visit a local pharmacy, or, if needed, arrange a home visit for your jab. Many older adults qualify for the free NHS flu jab. Remember to check your eligibility and get vaccinated as soon as possible. If you need assistance organising your appointment, your home care provider can help every step of the way.
If you’d like more information about how we can support you or a loved one during flu season, we’re here to help. Whether it’s ensuring you stay safe and healthy during the colder months or to discuss your ongoing care needs, get in touch with our friendly team.
Chloe joined us in early 2024 as our content manager. Having earned a first-class degree in digital marketing and spending more than six years in public relations, she’s well-placed to shape informative content and heartfelt stories that help inform our clients and connect them with the care they need.
Having worked across a multitude of different industries before care, Chloe’s passion lies in the meaningfulness of her work – from creating content that guides clients through their care journey to helping Caregivers find a rewarding new role.
At Unique, Chloe finds fulfilment in our supportive culture and the heart-warming stories from both clients and carers that highlight the impact of our services.
