Public Health England and NHS England urge eligible people to take up free flu vaccine

Notes to editors

1. The nasal spray, Fluenz Tetra^TM (Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine), cannot be stockpiled in advance because the components of the vaccine change every year and it has a very short shelf life.
2. The delay related to Fluenz Tetra vaccine stocks that were due to arrive in November, was due to an issue detected during routine product release processes. Some of these tests did not run correctly and were repeated before the vaccine was released by AstraZeneca and then the independent regulator. The issue is not due to safety or the efficacy of the vaccine itself, which has passed all the other tests. No other batches of the vaccine, including those already in use by schools and GPs, have been affected.
3. PHE and NHS E/I are prioritising vulnerable children. If locally, a school or GP is unable to offer Fluenz Tetra to a high-risk child, they should receive the injected vaccine instead, to avoid delay in being protected.
4. The majority of children will receive the nasal spray vaccine in school. This season, all primary school aged children are eligible. Children aged 2 and 3 (on 31 August 2019) and those in clinical risk groups may receive the vaccine through their GP.
5. Children and young people who are eligible for a flu vaccine include those aged two and three years, children of primary school age, carers, those who are pregnant and those in a clinical risk groups including those with:
   • Chronic neurological disease
   • Chronic respiratory disease
   • Chronic heart disease
   • Chronic kidney disease
   • Chronic liver disease
   • Diabetes
   • Immunosuppression
   • Asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen
6. Adults aged 65 years old and over are more vulnerable and may suffer more than most people if they catch flu. 
7. There is strong evidence that pregnant women have a much higher risk of serious illness as a result of flu, compared with the general population. The risks are highest in the last three months of pregnancy. Vaccination against flu reduces these risks. Serious complications of flu include pneumonia, septic shock (a severe and life-threatening infection of the whole body), meningitis and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
8. It is also important children are vaccinated as they tend to be super-spreaders of flu so if they get it, they are likely to infect more vulnerable older family members. The flu vaccine will help protect children from flu and also reduces the chance of them spreading flu to others.

Additional quotes:

RCN professional lead for public health Helen Donovan said: “Nursing staff are the key professionals administering vaccines and are key in making sure that everyone who needs the flu vaccination receives one. Nursing staff need to ensure they remind patients to make an appointment and come in for their vaccine. Either by calling them, texting or sending letters. It is never too late to have the vaccine and it is the best way to protect against catching or spreading flu.”

Clare Livingstone, professional policy advisor at the RCM said: “The RCM recommends that pregnant women have the flu vaccination. The flu is a highly infectious illness, which can be very serious during pregnancy for both mums-to-be and their babies. That is why we are encouraging all pregnant women to have the vaccine as soon as possible so they are protected from flu viruses circulating this winter. It’s important that if pregnant women have any questions or concerns about the flu vaccination or any vaccination in pregnancy that they speak to their midwife, GP or practice nurse who can provide them with more information and advice. The RCM also urges midwives and other health professionals to have the vaccination to protect themselves, their family and the people they care for from the infection also. It is also really important that all nursing staff get the vaccine themselves. This helps stop them from becoming ill but more importantly helps stop the spread of infection.”

Daniel Howarth, Head of Care at Diabetes UK, said: “Having the flu is serious for anyone but for those who have a pre-existing medical condition, such as diabetes – the consequences can be devastating. That’s why it’s so important that everyone with diabetes takes up the offer of a free flu jab and gives them the best chance of avoiding getting seriously ill during flu season. It can take up to two weeks for a flu jab to work. That’s why it’s essential that everyone at high risk of serious illness from flu gets vaccinated as soon as possible to reduce their risk.”

Jessica Eagelton, policy officer at the British Lung Foundation, said: “Flu can have a serious impact on those living with a lung condition potentially making them so sick they have to be treated in hospital. Prevention is vital in protecting the most vulnerable in our society, which is why it’s so important those with a lung condition and those who care for them get the flu jab this winter. So we’d encourage everyone who is eligible for the free flu vaccine to make an appointment with their GP or visit their local pharmacy as soon as possible.”

BHF Senior Cardiac Nurse Philippa Hobson, said: “As the nights get longer and the temperature drops, book yourself in for your flu jab – taking just five minutes out of your day could save your life. If you have been diagnosed with a heart or circulatory disease it is particularly important to get your flu jab. People living with these conditions who catch the flu are more likely to develop complications and end up seriously ill in hospital.”