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Flu Vaccine: Protecting You and the People You Support This Winter

  • Writer: Carron Huggett
    Carron Huggett
  • Oct 23
  • 2 min read

Flu spreads quickly, and it can make people very unwell. This guide explains why the flu vaccine is important and how you can protect yourself and others this winter.

Please remember: the flu vaccine is your choice. It is recommended, not a rule.


What is Flu?

Flu is more serious than a cold and comes on suddenly. Symptoms can include:

  • Fever and chills

  • Headache

  • Muscle and body aches

  • Extreme tiredness


Most people recover in about a week. But for some people, flu can lead to serious illness, a stay in hospital, or even death.


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Why the Flu Vaccine Matters

The flu vaccine:

✅ Helps stop flu spreading✅ Protects people at higher risk✅ The vaccine is updated every year because flu changes.

This is especially important for people who may become very ill from flu – including many of the clients we support.




Who Can Get the Flu Vaccine?

Anyone can choose to have the flu vaccine. Some people can get it free through the NHS, including:

  • Adults aged 65+

  • Pregnant women

  • Children aged 2–11

  • People with long-term health conditions (like diabetes, asthma, heart problems)

  • People with a weakened immune system

  • Main carers

  • People living in care or nursing homes

  • Health and social care staff


If you are unsure, ask your GP or check NHS.uk.


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Helping and Supporting Clients

You can support clients by:

  • Sharing information in clear English or BSL

  • Reminding them when and where to get their vaccine

  • Helping them book appointments

  • Encouraging good hygiene: hand washing, tissues, cleaning surfaces


This protects both clients and staff.



When and Where to Get the Vaccine

The best time is autumn and early winter.

You can get the flu vaccine at:

  • GP surgeries

  • Pharmacies

  • School immunisation teams (for eligible children)


You need a new flu vaccine every year.


How Flu Spreads

Flu spreads easily through:

  • Coughs and sneezes

  • Touching objects with the virus on them

Flu is most contagious in the first 5 days of feeling unwell. Germs can live on surfaces for 24 hours.


How to Avoid Spreading Flu

  • Wash your hands often with warm water and soap

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing

  • Put tissues in the bin straight away

  • Stay at home if you have a high temperature or feel too unwell to work or go out


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If You Get Flu

Most people can recover at home:

  • Rest and sleep

  • Keep warm

  • Drink plenty of water (wee should be light yellow or clear)

  • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed

If you are worried or symptoms get worse, contact your GP or call NHS 111.




Where to Get More Information

Visit NHS.uk or speak to a:

  • GP

  • Pharmacist

  • Nurse

They can give you the most up-to-date guidance.


Let’s keep ourselves and the people we support healthy this winter.Getting the flu vaccine is a simple way to protect everyone.

 
 
 

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