Wales Covid and Flu Booster Vaccines: What You Need to Know

With plans for Covid-19 booster shots in Wales in September, your thoughts may be on the flu shot – which is usually given around this time.

Last year, people were urged to get the flu shot to reduce pressure on the NHS, already strained by the pandemic, and the age of eligibility to get it for free was lowered by 65 to 50 years old.

But how will it work in 2021?

Last year, people aged 50 and over were offered the flu shot for free, as well as people aged six months to 49 years with a long-lasting health problem.

These include chest problems, kidney or liver disease, and diabetes.

Also expected to get it are adults with a body mass index over 40, pregnant women, nursing home staff, residents and caregivers, NHS staff and inmates.

Children aged two or three and those in primary school also receive a free vaccine.

Around 1.5 million people in 2020-2021 were eligible for a free flu vaccine in Wales, and those ineligible can pay to receive a vaccine.

The flu vaccination rate in Wales last year was the highest on record, with 76.5% of those over 65 receiving the vaccine.

Very slow. It circulates, but not a lot.

No one tested positive for the flu in Wales last week, although the rate is normally low at this time of year.

Only 18 cases were recorded during the winter in Wales, a record drop from 1,657 the previous winter.

Higher rates of all respiratory illnesses, including influenza, are expected due to lack of circulation last winter.

Catherine Moore, a consulting virologist at Public Health Wales, said in March this flu season could be worse because of the lack of transmission last winter.

“We completely missed a season, so the virus may have progressed a little further than our immune system will remember.

“We may see a slightly more severe flu than we would normally expect,” she said.

Early evidence supports the simultaneous administration of Covid and influenza vaccines.

This will be confirmed when the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization issues its opinion.

Globally, Covid restrictions such as hygiene measures, face masks and social distancing have prevented the spread of other pathogens, including the flu.

Over an average of five years, influenza was the third leading cause of death in Wales during the winter.

But by February 2021, flu and pneumonia had fallen to the ninth leading cause of death, 73.2% below the five-year average.

Nathan Sznerch, a general practitioner in Wrexham, said the Covid measures had raised awareness about hygiene measures and keeping the distance.

“We have certainly seen a reduction in the number of people contacting us.

“I think people are much more aware of the importance of hand hygiene and wearing masks,” he said.

It can be very serious. It is caused by a virus and can lead to illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia, which may require hospital treatment.

In a normal winter, thousands of people die from flu-related illnesses in the UK. There are epidemics every winter.

If you are an adult in a risk group, pregnant, or over 50, you can get it from your doctor’s office or some community pharmacies.

If you work in health or social services, your employer should be able to advise you.

Nursing home staff and home caregivers should speak to their community pharmacy.

Primary school children will receive it as a nasal spray at school, and those aged two to three can receive it free of charge at a GP’s office.

Flu shots are normally rolled out from early to mid-September.

Some people have a mild fever, feel tired, have a headache, or have muscle pain for a day or two. Your arm may be a bit sore.

Other side effects are rare. Most people feel good.

People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a flu shot in the past should no longer get the flu shot.

If you have a severe allergy to eggs, you must tell the nurse or doctor. You can still have a jab, but special arrangements may need to be made.

If you don’t feel well with a high temperature, wait until you feel better.

A cold or other minor illness is no reason to delay, according to Public Health Wales.