Winter 2022/23 Flu immunisation programme for people with a learning disability

News - 13 December 2022

People with a learning disability are at higher risk of developing serious complications due to viruses such as flu and Covid19 and this includes children and young people in an SEND school.

Information for adults with a learning disability

The learning from the lives and deaths of people with a learning disability and autistic people (LeDeR) 2021 annual report showed that people with a learning disability die on average 22 years sooner from preventable things than that of general population. One of the leading causes of death for people with a learning disability is respiratory illness.

The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England have confirmed people with a learning disability are in a clinically at-risk group and entitled to a free NHS flu vaccination. All frontline health and care workers are also entitled to a free NHS flu vaccination.

We are asking social care providers for their support in ensuring people with a learning disability are immunised against flu and Covid19 which will give them the best protection in not developing serious complications.

  • Check all people with a learning disability you support are on the GP learning disability register. This will enable them to get their free NHS flu vaccination and they will be invited for an Annual Health Check.
  • Encourage, support and inform people you support to get their flu jab. It will protect them all winter.
  • Encourage, support and inform people you support to get their Covid19 vaccinations.
  • Have your NHS free flu vaccination to protect you, the people you support and your loved ones.

A range of resources have been developed to support social care providers and people with a learning disability for the winter immunisations 2022/23 programme. These are:

  • A range of short films have been developed to inform people with a learning disability about:
    • 1. The importance of annual health and checks and flu immunisation
    • 2. Who should get the flu jab?
    • 3. How do I get the flu jab?
    • 4. Why do I need to get the flu jab?
    • 5. Can the flu jab give you flu?
    • 6. Does the flu jab hurt?
    • 7. How do I help others stay protected from flu?

All of the films can be found at www.necldnetwork.co.uk/flu

  • A range of national easy read leaflets and posters on flu immunisation can be found here.
  • A range of resources to support adult social care and people with a learning disability around the Covid19 vaccinations can be found here.

Information for parents - SEND School flu immunisations programme for children with a learning disability.

From September 2022 this autumn / winter all children who attend a SEND school up to age 17 will be offered a free NHS flu vaccination in school. Children with long-term health conditions, such as diabetes, serious heart conditions, underlying neurological problems and kidney or liver disease, are at higher risk from flu. They’re more likely to get severely ill if they catch flu and it could make their existing condition worse. This means it’s especially important that they’re vaccinated. The children’s vaccination is a nasal spray which is quick and painless.

A consent form will be sent to all parent / carers.

More information can be found at: www.learningdisabilitymatters.co.uk 

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