Find out more about winter vaccinations on the NHS website.
What is a vaccine?
A vaccine is a type of medicine that helps your body fight infections.
It works by teaching your immune system how to fight an infection.
Your immune system is your body’s way of fighting illnesses like colds or the flu.
Vaccines help your immune system learn without you becoming very ill.
They can protect you and others and stop you from getting seriously unwell.
People with a learning disability have a higher risk of becoming very ill from illnesses like the flu.
Vaccines do not always stop you from catching COVID or flu, but they can make your symptoms milder and help you recover faster.
If you are not sure about having a vaccine, people can support you to get more information.
If you are a family carer, you may be able to get a free vaccine.
Side effects
All medicines can have side effects.
You might feel poorly after having a vaccine.
You will be given information about the vaccine you have had, how to look for side effects and what to do if they happen.
Vaccine reasonable adjustments
Reasonable adjustments are small changes to help people with a learning disability get fair treatment.
If you have a vaccine appointment, here are some adjustments you can ask for.
Avoid waiting
Ask for an early morning or late-day appointment.
Reduce noise
Bring headphones to listen to music or ask if there is a quiet room to wait in.
Distractions
Play a game or listen to music on your phone or tablet.
Needle concerns
Tell the nurse if you are scared of needles. They can help you feel more comfortable by keeping the needle out of sight or using a screen around your arm.
Ask if they can use numbing cream so you don’t feel the needle.
Some vaccines such as the flu vaccine can be given as a nose spray.
These small changes can make your vaccine appointment easier!