Do you have questions about winter vaccinations for flu and Covid-19? - £200 voucher to be won

[CeriMumsnet]

Created for the Department of Health

THIS Q&A IS NOW CLOSED FOR QUESTIONS. SEE DR. FARZANA'S ANSWERS FROM PAGE 6

According to the NHS, we are expecting to have a bad flu season this year, especially compared to the very mild season we experienced in 2020/21. This has led to lower immunity amongst the population. GP and mum of two Dr Farzana Hussain is here to answer your questions about getting vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 this winter.

• Everyone who shares a question below by 12 November will be eligible for a prize draw
• One lucky Mumsnet user will win a £200 voucher from a store of their choice
• Dr Farzana will be back online next week to answer a selection of your questions.

About Dr Farzana

Dr Farzana Hussain is an NHS GP with 20 years’ experience and mum of two teenagers. She is Clinical Director of a Primary Care Network and won GP of the year in 2019.

Here’s what the Department of Health has to say

'Getting vaccinated this winter is so important as we continue to mix with family and friends in the run up to the festive period. We know that vaccines are our way out of the pandemic, so we are urging everyone that’s eligible to get their winter vaccines when called, whether that’s your first, second or booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or flu, for the best possible protection – for you and your loved ones'

Do you have questions about the benefits of getting you and your family vaccinated for flu this winter? Would you like to know more about the current COVID-19 vaccination advice for children? Whatever your questions, post on this thread for Dr Farzana to answer.

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!

MNHQ
Mumsnet Insight T&Cs apply

[DrFarzana]

@BristolMum96

Do I have to wait between having my covid booster and my flu jab?

Hi @BristolMum96 @HotToddyColdSauvignon @queenoftheglee @Kite22 and @buckley1983

Thanks for your question! No you don't. It's safe to have your COVID-19 booster and your flu jab together. Where possible, the NHS will try to schedule these appointments together, but if you are offered an appointment for either jab you should take it up without delay to ensure you get the protection you need.

* [Edited by MNHQ: Dr Farzana has provided updated info for this answer] *

[DrFarzana]

@TellMeItsNotTrue

My GP surgery want to do both at the same time because I have it at home so it makes it easier/quicker for them

I really don't think it's wise because my immune system is pretty much non-existent due to medical reasons and medication.

I reacted really badly to the first Covid vaccine, wasn't too bad with the second

Can & Should I push the issue and get them done separately

Hi @TellMeItsNotTrue,

It's always YOUR choice of when you want your jabs but if you have a weak immune system its even more important that you get protected from COVID-19 and flu. Having 2 separate visits will delay you being protected from one of the infections, but if you are offered an appointment for either jab you should take it up without delay and get both jabs as soon as you can.


@SnowyMouse, @canyoutoleratethis, @MrsFrTedCrilly @Igmum and @Dangermouse80 this may help with your questions too!

[DrFarzana]

@Powaqa

If you can't have the flu and covid booster shot together (can just imagine my arm the next day) which one should i get first?

Hi @Powaqa It is safe to have both jabs at the same time and I would recommend this to keep you protected from both viruses.

* [Edited by MNHQ: Dr Farzana has provided updated info for this answer] *

[HotToddyColdSauvignon]

Thank you @DrFarzana

[DrFarzana]

@MonetManet

I read about a study that said it’s safe to do both jabs at the same time, but it didn’t mention if the study included immunocompromised people or pregnant women, is it safe for them also?

Hi @MonetManet

Immunocompromised people and pregnant woman can have flu and COVID-19 vaccinations at the same appointment, same as everyone else. A pregnant woman can have her whooping cough vaccine at the same time too. But you don’t need to try and coordinate to have the vaccines at the same time – it is best to organise an appointment for the earliest slot you are offered one.

* [Edited by MNHQ: Dr Farzana has provided extra info for this answer] *

[DrFarzana]

@Sid98

Can getting these vaccine effect your immune system and make you more prone to getting infections

Hi @Sid98

The vaccines for flu and COVID-19 will protect you from getting those infections so you will be less prone - they will have no effect on you getting other winter viruses such as colds, but they will give you and your loved ones the best protection from COVID-19 and flu this winter.

[DrFarzana]

@ButterMyMuffin

My understanding is that as 30 something with no underlying health conditions or caring responsibilities to anyone vulnerable I will not be offered a booster or flu jab. Would you reccomend getting either? Can I get them privately?
Ps Farzana is a beautiful name, same name as girl the year above me at school and I have always liked it.

Hi @ButterMyMuffin As you have had 2 COVID-19 vaccines and are young fit and healthy- this should give you the protection against COVID-19 you need so there is no need to have a COVID-19 booster. I would not recommend a private flu vaccine either as it costs money and your body can fight flu symptoms well as you are fit and well. Thank you that's very kind!

[DrFarzana]

@welshmardymum

Whats the best place to get reputable information about the vaccine, especially for children? I have always been someone who has had a vaccine for anything when asked and for my children also without questioning, but with the conflict in advice between Sage and the government this time and varying responses from governments around the world with regard to children it has led me to seek further info and i don't know where to go.

Hi @welshmardymum

As a parent I know these are important questions to consider and totally understand your worries. The best place to go for trusted information is the NHS website such as //www.nhs.uk. Its also important to remember that all the Chief Medical Officers in the UK have approved the vaccine as safe for 12 to 15 year olds so we know its the best way to protect them and those around them. For more information and advice, visit //www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccine-children.

[DrFarzana]

@Asuwere

"According to the NHS, we are expecting to have a bad flu season this year, especially compared to the very mild season we experienced in 2020/21. This has led to lower immunity amongst the population."
Why has immunity reduced if so many groups are encouraged to take up flu vaccine? What has caused the lowering of immunity?

Hi @Asuwere

As we were in lockdown last winter, we were less exposed to viruses and and the level of flu infections went down.This year we are expecting more flu as we are mixing again so it's important to get protected with the flu jab especially if you are at higher risk of getting complications with flu, such as if you are pregnant.

[DrFarzana]

@HouseholdBubblesandEeeeek

Do children need to have the flu jab? Thanks.

Hi @HouseholdBubblesandEeeeek

The flu vaccine is free on the NHS for:

• children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2021 – born between 1 September 2017 and 31 August 2019
• all primary school children (reception to year 6)
• all year 7 to year 11 children in secondary school
• children aged 6 months to 17 years with long-term health conditions. Most children will be offered a nasal spray vaccine. If your child can't have the nasal spray vaccine they will be offered an injection instead. This includes children under the age of 2 as the nasal spray vaccine isn't licensed for children under 2 years of age. It’s so important to book your child’s vaccine if they’re eligible. To find your nearest service visit nhs.uk/wintervaccinations.

It’s so important to book your child’s vaccine if they’re eligible. To find your nearest service visit //nhs.uk/wintervaccinations.

* [Edited by MNHQ: Dr Farzana has provided extra info for this answer] *

[DrFarzana]

@namenomnombre

Will my flu jab protect my breastfed baby too?

Hi @namenomnombre

Your flu jab will protect your unborn baby while you are pregnant, however, when breastfeeeding, there is no plausible mechanism by which any vaccine ingredient could pass to your baby through breast milk. Incorporating simple measures such as washing hands frequently and if you sneeze then do it in a tissue and bin the tissue - this will help stop the spread of the flu virus.To note, vaccines are recommended to breastfeeding women and its completely safe to have both jabs while breastfeeding.

[DrFarzana]

@AudTheDeepMinded

My son (9) is asthmatic. The local health service are busy delivering covid boosters so have not been in to deliver flu vaccines in school. Does he have to wait for them or can I book him one somewhere?

Hi @AudTheDeepMinded and @Theforest

If your child has a long term condition that puts them more at risk from flu, you can ask their GP surgery to give the vaccine instead of having them having it at school if that is what you prefer.

* [Edited by MNHQ: Dr Farzana has provided extra info for this answer] *

[DrFarzana]

@Theimpossiblegirl

What is the logic in pushing back the school flu vaccines until January, as is the case locally? Surely that's a bit late?

Hi @Theimpossiblegirl and @Time2getSerious

Because there are a large number of schools – and they have also been offering the COVID-19 vaccine to 12 to 15 year olds in school – some of the immunisation teams won’t reach the schools until later on. If your child has a long term condition that puts them more at risk from flu, you can ask their GP surgery to give the vaccine instead of having them having it at school if that is what you prefer.

* [Edited by MNHQ: Dr Farzana has provided extra info for this answer] *

[DrFarzana]

@RachC2021

Why isn’t the flu jab being automatically offered to everyone who had to shield? (I was only ECV temporarily, due to chemotherapy; that all finished by February so I’m not ECV nor eligible by work/age now.)

Hi @RachC2021

I hope you are well after chemotherapy. Once chemotherapy has finished you are no longer extremely clinically vulnerable to infection - your body can fight infection better again as it was the chemotherapy treatment that was causing this temporarily.

[DrFarzana]

@pyjamapj

I already got the flu...should I still take the flu vaccine?

Hi @pyjamapj

Yes, even if you have had the flu virus infection you should take your flu vaccine. There are lots of different strains of virus and that's why we have a new flu vaccine every year to protect ourselves. To find out if you’re eligible and book your jab visit //nhs.uk/wintervaccinations

[DrFarzana]

@jellybeanpopper

Are women who have had a baby in the last year eligible for the flu vaccine on the NHS?

Hi @jellybeanpopper

Women who are pregnant are eligible for a flu vaccine because they are more likely to experience complications from flu during pregnancy. However, once you have had the baby you would not be eligible unless you have an underlying health condition that puts you more at risk from flu.

* [Edited by MNHQ: Dr Farzana has provided extra info for this answer] *

[DrFarzana]

@frogface69

How much does the flu vaccination cost ?

Hi @frogface69

The vaccine is free for those who are eligible, to check your eligibility, visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine

[DrFarzana]

@Sparklystar

Are 12-15 year olds in UK only having one vaccine ? Or will they be offered a 2nd

Hi @Sparklystar

At the moment, young people aged 12 to 15 in England are being offered one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, following advice from the 4 UK Chief Medical Officers.

[DrFarzana]

@ILoveMyCaravan

I had the Astra Zeneca covid jabs for my first two. I have now been told by the clinic that only the Pfizer one is available for the 3rd booster. Will this matter? Considering I was told at my covid jab that I couldn't have the Pfizer one because I have an allergy to penicillin. I'm confused but I do want to have the booster.

Hi @ILoveMyCaravan and @Justmuddlingalong

It will not matter if you have Pfizer as your booster dose of vaccine and had a different brand for the first two doses. It will still be effective at protecting you from COVID-19.

[DrFarzana]

@Maddie2802

Is the covid booster safe for pregnant women in all trimesters?

Hi @Maddie2802

Yes the COVID-19 booster is safe at anytime during pregnancy and offers the best protection for you and your baby. I would strongly urge you to get vaccinated if you haven’t already.

[DrFarzana]

@NameChange2PostThis

When will my 16 year old be offered his second covid vaccination? Will it be within the 12 week window? If not, does that mean any next vaccination will be another first for both medical and travel/legal requirements? How long a gap between vaccine doses before the second dose no longer counts as a second dose but is a repeated first dose?

Hi @NameChange2PostThis and @helcrai

Currently 16 year olds are being offered one dose of covid vaccine based on the scientific evidence.

[DrFarzana]

@MakeTeaNotWar

I had covid a month ago. Am I better to capitalise on natural immunity and delay the booster?

Hi @MakeTeaNotWar @Diian

You can have your COVID-19 booster 28 days after you were first diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. I would advise that you don't rely on natural immunity as studies have shown that the vaccine offers much better levels of protection so have the vaccine and stay protected especially as there are mutations of the virus - hope you are better now!

[DrFarzana]

@Olinguito

What is the difference between the Covid booster vaccine and the vaccine used for first/second jabs. Is it a smaller dose?

Also if Pfizer is given for the booster, is there any difference in its efficacy depending on whether the first/second jab given was Pfizer or Astra Zeneca?

Hi @Olinguito

People will be offered either a full dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or a half dose of the Moderna vaccine as their booster jab. This follows scientific evidence showing that both provide a strong booster response.

[DrFarzana]

@CurzonDax

I originally got the AstraZenec vaccine, and have recently just got the Pfizer booster. I have had severe reactions to the booster (similar to what my husband had fir his first Pfizer). Does my immune system therefore, only see this as the first dose? How protected am I from the booster, considering I have now had 2 different types of the vaccination?

My husband is under 50, but I was deemed clinically extremely vulnerable; will he be eligible for a booster, once he has has his six month period?

Hi @CurzonDax

Sorry to hear about your reaction to your booster dose. Your body will still recognise this as a booster dose and "top up" of immunity as this is not related to the side effects we experience. The brand of the vaccines and mixing them does not seem to affect immunity. If your husband is in his 40s he can have a booster dose 6 months after his 2nd dose.

[DrFarzana]

@shewhomustbeEbayed

Am currently recovering from Covid ( had a positive PCR result on 03/10 and still having some symptoms and off work ) am being invited for a Covid booster ( had 2nd Covid vaccine 09/04 ) but am loathe to overload my system at this time.
Should I wait to have booster until fully recovered or have now ?
I had my flu jab in September.

Hi @shewhomustbeEbayed

Hope you are feeling better soon. As it's been over 28 days (if you had your positive result on 3rd October) if you have no fever then you can go ahead and have your COVID-19 booster (if it's 6 months since your 2nd dose which I think it is since 9th April). I would go ahead and not delay if you feel well enough.