Immunisation and flu
From 30 June 2022, this website will not be updated
For the latest local health and care information, visit the new websites for Integrated Care Board hertsandwestessex.icb.nhs.uk or the Integrated Care System hertsandwestessexics.org.uk
From 1 July 2022, Clinical Commissioning Groups will be cease to exist. Commissioning functions and information that has been previously held by East and North Hertfordshire CCG is transferring to the new NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (HWEICB) on 1 July 2022.
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There are no changes to how local residents access NHS frontline services in Hertfordshire and West Essex as part of these changes.
Immunisation and flu
Routine child and adolescent immunisation programme
Most immunisations are given at your GP surgery you can arrange an appointment with your practice nurse.
The most comprehensive, up-to-date and accurate source of information on vaccines, disease and immunisation in the UK is available at http://www.nhs.uk/Planners/vaccinations/Pages/aboutvaccinationhub.aspx
The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get the flu jab.
For most healthy people, flu is unpleasant but usually people recover generally within a week. However, older people, the very young, pregnant women and those with some existing medical conditions are at particular risk of severe illness if they catch it.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people may see their GP and tens of thousands may be hospitalised because of flu each winter as flu can lead to more serious complications like pneumonia and bronchitis which need hospital treatment. Around 760 people were admitted to intensive care with complications of flu last year.
Those who have long term conditions such as diabetes or heart disease are among the most at risk from flu.
Young children aged two and three are now offered a nasal spray vaccine to protect them against flu. Young children’s close contact with each other means they are more likely to transmit the virus to other more vulnerable groups – including infants and older people.
We encourage people who are most at risk from flu, who have put it off or who don't think it is important, to get the vaccine. If you are in a risk group, are pregnant or aged over 65 or over, it is really important to get vaccinated; contact your GP surgery and make an appointment now.
NHS Choices provide lots of good information on flu, as well as hundreds of other conditions. Here you can find more information on the vaccine, prevention, the symptoms and how to them treat them yourself.