WITH global headlines dominated by covid in recent times, another, potential deadly virus has crept in a little under the radar this year.

Once again, it is flu season – and efforts to protect the population are underway.

Each year, a new flu vaccine is released, designed to combat the latest strain of influenza which is set to cause havoc on these shores.

This year, there is a fairly convincing argument to be made that the vaccine is more important than ever.

Social distancing, and efforts to wear face coverings have been vital in efforts to stay safe from covid-19 – but may have reduced the population’s exposure, and subsequent immunity to this year’s strain of the flu.

What’s more, catching the flu and covid at the same time could well have devastating consequences to a person’s health and wellbeing.

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As a result, the health guidance is that wherever possible, people should get the vaccine, to stay safe themselves, and keep others around them safe.

The flu season is at its peak in autumn/early winter, but, it typically takes a few days for the vaccine to kick in – and as such, vaccinations are already available in many places.

Helpfully, the process to get a vaccine in Newport is fairly straightforward.

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How to get a flu vaccine in Newport – for free

For many people, it is possible to get the flu vaccine free of charge.

The NHS is making the vaccine free to the following groups of people:

  • People who are 50 and over (including those who'll be 50 by 31 March 2022)
  • Those who have certain health conditions
  • Pregnant women
  • People who are in long-stay residential care
  • Those who receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
  • Anyone who lives with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Frontline health or social care workers

Which health conditions are eligible?

The flu vaccine is offered free on the NHS to anyone with a serious long-term health condition, including:

  • Respiratory conditions, such as asthma (needing steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and bronchitis
  • Diabetes
  • Heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
  • Being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Liver disease, such as hepatitis
  • Neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsy
  • A learning disability
  • Problems with your spleen, for example, sickle cell disease, or if you have had your spleen removed
  • A weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or taking medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy

Anyone who has a condition which doesn’t quite tick any of the above boxes, should contact their GP surgery and discuss whether or not they might also be eligible for the vaccine.

Where to get the vaccine?

It goes without saying, that the vaccine will be offered at GP surgeries – subject to availability.

But, NHS and private vaccines are also available in the community.

Again, the NHS vaccines are free, while those who are not otherwise eligible can purchase one for £14.99.

The alternative places to receive vaccines are:

  • A pharmacy offering the service
  • Your midwifery service if you're pregnant
  • A hospital appointment

In Newport, there are a large number of pharmacies, and it is suggested that anyone interested contact their store directly.

However, the main chains such as Boots, Well, Lloyds, and Superdrug are all offering flu jabs, and some in-store pharmacies in major supermarkets are too.

Side-effects of the flu jab

One of the main fears often associated with the flu jab is the side-effects – as it does have the tendency to knock people for six for a day or two thereafter.

This year, one of the questions asked before the flu jab is administered is whether you have an allergy to eggs – as the vaccine this year was made using eggs.

There are lower egg content vaccines available too, though there is still the risk of an allergic reaction.

For those able to have the vaccine as normal, the following side-effects are possible:

  • Slightly raised temperature
  • Muscle aches
  • Sore arm where the needle went in – this is more likely to happen with the vaccine for people aged 65 and over

More information can be found on the NHS website here.