COVID-19 and flu vaccines: your questions answered
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Louisa Sherlock
Contributing EditorVaccines are the best way to keep you and your family safe this winter, so it’s important everyone who's eligible comes forward for their flu or COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible to ensure they’re protected.
This is especially urgent due to the emergence of a new, highly contagious, COVID-19 variant called Omicron.
We asked you for your top vaccine questions and put these to TV doctor and mum, Dr Sara Kayat.
Here’s your need-to-know guide to winter vaccines for you and your family, including who is now eligible for the COVID-19 booster.
Why are vaccines so important?
Dr Sara says:
'COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to protect people from coronavirus and have saved tens of thousands of lives.
'This year is the first time COVID-19 and flu will be co-circulating and this can increase risks which is why it’s so important to come forward for your first, second or booster COVID-19 vaccine as well as flu if you’re eligible.
'There’s also a new Omicron variant of COVID-19 which is spreading fast. That means it's never been more important for you to get vaccinated.
'We know that vaccines save lives and remain our best defence against COVID-19 as we head into winter so I’d urge everyone to come forward and get protected, for yourselves, your family and community.'
Who is eligible for COVID-19 and flu vaccines?
We’ve put together a handy flowchart to find out which vaccines you and your kids are eligible for, including how many doses you can have.
You can book your flu vaccine at nhs.uk/wintervaccinations and your COVID-19 vaccine at nhs.uk/covidvaccine.
Who can get a COVID-19 booster?
If you or your kids are aged 18 or over, you are eligible for a COVID-19 booster. You can have this 12 weeks after your second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Dr Sara says:
'I’d urge everyone to get boosted now. If you haven’t already had your booster, then go to the NHS website to book an appointment or to find your local walk-in vaccination centre. And don’t forget to encourage your family and friends to book theirs too.'
Winter vaccines: Q&A
It’s so important to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu, especially if you’re pregnant which changes the way your body handles infections.
Which is why we’ve put together a Q&A guide around some of the top questions asked by parents. Read Dr Sara's answers, below.
QUESTION: How do we know the COVID-19 vaccine is safe?
ANSWER: Vaccines go through some of the strictest safety standards in the world to be approved in the UK and this is no different for a COVID-19 and flu vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines are monitored continuously by the MHRA to ensure that the benefit of the vaccines continues to outweigh any risk.
QUESTION: Are the COVID-19 and flu vaccines safe in pregnancy?
ANSWER: It is totally safe to have the COVID-19 and flu vaccine in pregnancy. In fact, it’s even more important to have them.
Pregnant women are more likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19. Pregnant women who do get symptomatic COVID-19 infection are 2 to 3 times more likely to give birth to their baby prematurely and, since July, one in five COVID patients receiving treatment through a special lung-bypass machine were expectant mums who have not had their first jab.
The vaccines are the best way to keep you and your unborn baby safe. Official figures show since May, just three women had been admitted to intensive care with COVID-19 after having their first vaccine. In contrast, almost all (98%) pregnant women admitted to intensive care with COVID-19 had not been jabbed.
The flu vaccine is also totally safe at any stage of pregnancy and offers the best protection for you and your baby.
QUESTION: Why do I need the flu vaccine?
ANSWER: You can catch flu at any age. However, some people are more at risk of complications from flu. This includes pregnant women who have a higher risk of miscarrying or going into premature labour.
The flu vaccine is completely free via the NHS for pregnant women and is safe to have at any stage of pregnancy. Children aged 2-17 are also eligible and will normally be offered the flu vaccine via their school.
QUESTION: Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for children?
ANSWER: Yes, the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and has been approved for children over 12. It is important that all young people aged 12 to 15 years get their COVID-19 jab as soon as possible.
While COVID-19 is usually mild in most young people, it can be very unpleasant for some and the vaccine will provide good protection against severe illness and hospitalisation.
Vaccinating 12 to 15 year olds helps reduce the need for young people to have time-off school and reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19 within schools. Children aged 12+ are eligible for their COVID-19 vaccines. 12-15 year olds can book their jab either through their schools’ vaccination programme or at a local NHS vaccine site via the online booking system.
QUESTION: Does the COVID-19 vaccine protect you from flu?
ANSWER: It doesn’t! You’ll need a separate flu vaccine. Find out if you’re eligible for a free vaccine at nhs.uk/wintervaccinations
QUESTION: Where can I go to get up to date advice about vaccines?
ANSWER: It’s important to go to a trusted source for information and advice on vaccines. The best place to go is nhs.uk/vaccinations