Myth busting

Fact: Vaccines have saved more human lives than any other medical invention in history. There is a lot of speculation around vaccines and finding credible resources can be challenging so we want to change the narrative and focus on facts.

Immunisation currently prevents 3.5 million to 5 million deaths every year and they are the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves and our children against ill health.

Fact: Influenza is a distinct viral infection and should not be confused with a cold or “stomach flu.” It can have serious consequences, especially for vulnerable groups.

While colds and flu share some similar symptoms (such as a blocked nose, sore throat, and high temperature), make no mistake – a bad bout of flu is much worse than a cold. 

Cold symptoms:

• normally develop over one or two days

• cause more nasal problems than flu

• sufferers usually begin to feel better after a couple of day

Flu symptoms:

• fever, fatigue and muscle aches are more likely and more severe

• if you get complications caused by the flu, you could become seriously ill

• flu symptoms come on suddenly and sometimes severely

• it takes around a week to recover from flu, although sufferers might feel tired for much longer

Fact: You cannot get flu from the vaccine. The flu vaccine is safe, effective, and time-tested. It takes two weeks for the vaccine to become effective, so it’s possible to develop flu before full protection is achieved. That’s why early vaccination is important.

Fact: Annual vaccination is the first and most important step to protect yourself against influenza.

Fact: Even healthy people are at risk of getting sick from influenza. Immunity from the vaccine weakens over time, so annual vaccination is essential for everyone.

Fact: The flu vaccine lessens the spread of flu, and while it may not prevent you from catching the flu, it will lessen the symptoms and help prevent you becoming seriously unwell.

Fact: The flu jab does not contain any pork ingredient or gelatine and is ok for our Muslim colleagues to have. 

Fact: Yes, you can get a flu vaccine whilst on antibiotics.

Fact: Vaccination is about keeping you safe and well as well as protecting those close to you – your colleagues and patients who may be more vulnerable to the effects of the virus.

Just because you’ve not had flu before doesn’t mean you won’t get it this year. 

Fact:

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 some 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.