Eligible patients
Those with certain long-term conditions should have a flu jab annually. Some health conditions make people more vulnerable to becoming seriously ill if they develop flu. This is why the Department of Health advises the following groups to have a flu jab every year:
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CHRONIC LUNG CONDITIONS
For people with chronic lung conditions, flu can bring on asthma attacks and will make chronic bronchitis much worse. If they get flu, a secondary infection like pneumonia can set in. If they go on to develop pneumonia, the risk of developing further complications could be higher.2
Some examples of chronic lung conditions include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, emphysema, cystic fibrosis.
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CHRONIC HEART, KIDNEY, OR LIVER DISEASE
Changes or abnormalities in heartbeat rhythm may be experienced with flu, which indicates a possible problem with the heart muscles.3 Studies have suggested that people with heart disease are less likely to have a heart attack if they have a flu jab, compared to those that develop flu.4
For people with chronic kidney disease, contracting flu can make their condition worse.5
For people with liver disease, contracting flu may increase the likelihood of developing complications or worsen their condition.6
Some examples of these conditions include chronic heart failure, high blood pressure with heart complications, chronic kidney failure, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis.
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DIABETES
The death rate among people with diabetes can increase by between 5% and 15% when there is a flu outbreak.
This includes people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
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LOW IMMUNE SYSTEM
If someone is receiving chemotherapy or steroid treatment, have no spleen, or if they have HIV/AIDS, their immune system is already considerably weakened. Contracting flu will further reduce their capacity to fight infections.1
This includes people whose immune system has been affected by illness (such as HIV), by the absence of a spleen or a spleen that does not work correctly, or by treatment such as chemotherapy or steroid treatment.
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CHRONIC RESPIRATORY DISEASE
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CHRONIC HEART, KIDNEY, OR LIVER DISEASE
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DIABETES
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LOW IMMUNE SYSTEM
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NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS
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DYSFUNCTION OF THE SPLEEN
Changes or abnormalities in heartbeat rhythm may be experienced with flu, which indicates a possible problem with the heart muscles.3 Studies have suggested that people with heart disease are less likely to have a heart attack if they have a flu jab, compared to those that develop flu.4
For people with chronic kidney disease, contracting flu can make their condition worse.5
For people with liver disease, contracting flu may increase the likelihood of developing complications or worsen their condition.6
Some examples of these conditions include chronic heart failure, high blood pressure with heart complications, chronic kidney failure, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis.
If someone is receiving chemotherapy or steroid treatment, have no spleen, or if they have HIV/AIDS, their immune system is already considerably weakened. Contracting flu will further reduce their capacity to fight infections.1
This includes people whose immune system has been affected by illness (such as HIV), by the absence of a spleen or a spleen that does not work correctly, or by treatment such as chemotherapy or steroid treatment.
To find out more information, please visit the NHS site.
In addition to the clinical risk groups above, there are other age groups and/or people with certain conditions who are recommended to have a flu jab to help them avoid the flu.
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PREGNANT WOMEN
It's recommended that all pregnant women have the flu vaccine, whatever stage of pregnancy they're at. The flu jab will help protect both you and your baby. There is good evidence that pregnant women have a higher chance of developing complications if they get flu, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.
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AGED 65+
Death from flu is most common in people over 65 – they are more likely to have complications and be admitted to hospital than younger patients.10,11
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CHILDREN
Children are ‘super spreaders’ of flu (commonly picked up or spread at school or nursery), so by cutting down the number of cases of flu in children, fewer cases will be passed onto adults who might be at greater risk from flu.9 Remember, any child who falls into any of the clinical risk categories should have a flu jab.
It's recommended that all pregnant women have the flu vaccine, whatever stage of pregnancy they're at. The flu jab will help protect both you and your baby. There is good evidence that pregnant women have a higher chance of developing complications if they get flu, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.
Children are ‘super spreaders’ of flu (commonly picked up or spread at school or nursery), so by cutting down the number of cases of flu in children, fewer cases will be passed onto adults who might be at greater risk from flu. Remember, any child who falls into any of the clinical risk categories should have a flu jab.
People in that are in regular contact with others at risk or who may already have flu, due to occupation or living arrangements, are also recommended to have a flu jab.
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HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE WORKERS
Those with direct patient contact are advised to have the flu jab to help protect people in their care at greater risk from the effects of flu.9
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PEOPLE LIVING IN CARE HOMES
Flu can spread rapidly from person to person when there are many people living in close quarters, such as in care homes.1 This does not include university halls of residence.
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CARERS
Carers (i.e. people who look after someone who wouldn’t be able to get by without their help) are advised to have a flu jab to help protect those they are caring for.1
