Why am I being offered this vaccination?
Flu is an unpredictable virus that can kill thousands of people during a flu season and in circulation alongside COVID-19 would add to the winter pressures usually faced by our staff with more patients expected to be admitted to hospital with flu.
Getting protected against the virus will help to:
- Protect yourself and those around you
- Reduce patient hospitalisations
Why is it so important that I receive both vaccines this year?
- Flu and COVID-19 can both be life-threatening and is spread more easily in winter.
- During the winter months, we spend more time indoors or in crowded spaces and are more likely to catch and spread the viruses.
- As a health or social care worker, you will be caring for people who may be at greater risk from these viruses.
- Getting vaccinated will help to avoid the additional pressure on the NHS and social care systems during the busy winter period.
What if I feel healthy?
- It’s easy to pass on COVID-19 or flu without knowing.
- You can still catch and spread COVID-19 or flu which could lead to severe illness, hospitalisation or even death.
I had the flu vaccination last year. Do I need to have it again?
Yes, because the viruses that cause flu can change every year. This means the flu (and the vaccine) this year may be different from last year.
If you had the flu vaccine last year, either because you were and health and social care worker, pregnant or because you’re in a vulnerable group, you need to have it again this year.
Do I still need to get my flu jab if I’ve had all of my COVID-19 vaccines?
Yes, the COVID-19 vaccine does not protect you from flu, and vice versa.
As you are eligible for both vaccines you should have them both.
I’ve recently had COVID-19, can I still have my flu vaccine?
If you’ve had COVID-19, it’s still safe to have the flu vaccine.
However you may wish to reschedule your appointment if you are currently experiencing a high temperature or acute illness on the day of the appointment.
For advice and information about the flu vaccination, visit www.nhs.uk/flujab
Where do I get my flu jab?
- Flu champions will be out and about in wards, departments and community hospitals to deliver the staff flu vaccine.
- Flu fortnight: staff can get their flu vaccine in James Cook’s atrium between 8.00am and 4.00pm every weekday between Thursday 3 October and Thursday 17 October 2024.
- Drop in clinics: occupational health are holding drop-in clinics in the staff restaurant at James Cook.
- Appointment booking: staff can book an appointment with the occupational health team at James Cook.
How do I get a vaccine appointment?
There is no need to book an appointment to receive your vaccination, but you must complete the vaccine form and provide your payroll number and your NHS number.
What do I need to bring get my flu jab?
When you get your jab, you’ll be asked to fill in a slip and advised to add:
Your personal details: including your date of birth and telephone number
Your payroll number: this can be found by logging in to ESR and is on your payslip as ‘assignment number’. If you are not paid by the trust (such as doctors in residence), you can leave the payroll number blank.
Your NHS number: if you don’t know it, you can  find your NHS number online or on your NHS App.
How effective is the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is your best protection against the virus.
It will not stop all flu viruses – but if you do get flu after vaccination, it’s likely that the disease will be milder and shorter-lived than it would otherwise have been.
It takes the immune response about two weeks to fully develop after vaccination.
Will the flu jab give me flu?
No. The injected vaccine used for adults does not contain any live viruses, so it cannot cause flu.
Some people get a slightly raised temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days afterwards, and you may feel sore at the injection site.
Will the vaccine have side effects?
Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and short term, lasting no longer than a week, and not everyone gets them.
Flu vaccines have a good safety record. All adult flu vaccines are given by injection
into the muscle of the upper arm.
Most side effects are mild and only last for a day or so, such as:
- 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
Try these tips to help reduce the discomfort:
- continue to move your arm regularly
- take a painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen – some people, including those who are pregnant, should not take ibuprofen unless a doctor recommends it.
Will the side effects be worse if I have both vaccines at the same time?
People may slightly be more likely to experience at least one side effect when both vaccines are given together, although these are typically mild, short-lived reactions.
The vaccines are extremely safe and there is no evidence that giving both together is more likely to cause serious side effects.
Can I go back to work after having my vaccine?
Yes, you should be able to work as long as you feel well.
We do advise:
- If your arm is particularly sore, you may find heavy lifting difficult.
- If you feel unwell or very tired you should rest and avoid operating machinery or driving.
What do I do if I have had my vaccine(s) outside of the trust for example from my GP or the national booking service?
Please let us know by emailing [email protected]
Can I have my flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster in the same appointment?
The flu vaccine and the COVID-19 booster can be given on the same day and there are opportunities to have both vaccinations at the same appointment.
Is the NHS confident the vaccines are safe?
Yes – the MHRA, the official UK regulator authorising licensed use of medicines and vaccines by healthcare professionals, has said these vaccines are safe and highly effective, and we have full confidence in their expert judgement and processes.
Can I have the flu vaccine if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
JCVI advice recommends that you should have a flu vaccine if you are eligible.
Pregnancy advice
Having the flu vaccine if you’re pregnant will help protect you and your baby.
It’s safe to have the vaccine at any stage of pregnancy from the first few weeks up to your expected due date.
Those who have had the flu vaccine while pregnant also pass protection onto babies, which lasts for the first few months of their lives.
Breastfeeding advice
It is safe for women who are breastfeeding to have the vaccine.
Is there anyone that shouldn’t get the flu vaccine?
There will be a small number of people where it is advised that you should not have a flu vaccine, for example:
- If you have ever had a serious allergy to the vaccine, or any of its ingredients.
- If you are allergic to eggs or have a condition that weakens your immune system, you may not be able to have certain types of flu vaccine – check with your vaccinator.
- If you have a fever, the vaccination may be delayed until you are better.
Is the flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster mandatory for staff?
No, having the COVID-19 or flu vaccine is not compulsory for health and social care staff.
However the vaccine helps to provide important protection for individuals and those they
come into contact with.
Local employers will be working hard to ensure all staff can get the COVID and flu vaccines this autumn/winter, and we are confident that most of our staff will choose to protect themselves and those around them by getting the vaccines.