There’s more focus than ever on the benefits of pedal power. Better physical and mental health, savings on commuting costs, getting out to explore local areas more all while being kind to the environment. Find out below if Cycle2work is for you by checking out the live road show and popular questions about Cycle2work. Hundreds of colleagues have already participated in Cycle2work making over £200,000 of savings.
1- How does the Cycle2work scheme work?You select a bike and any cycle accessories you want, apply to get it through Cycle2work and pay for it through your salary. Click on the video in the right for a quick introduction to Cycle2work.
You save from 33% to 42% off the value of the new bike through tax and national insurance savings. Plus the cost is spread over 12 or 18 months (whatever your preference is). Its the most cost efficient way to get new cycling equipment and also avoids large one-off costs.
From £100 to £3,500 – providing the deductions from your payslip don’t take you below the national living wage. This is checked by our payroll team as part of the application process.
In short, no! You can use your bike for cycling to work or rides around your local park or even to the beach on holiday. The scheme is in place to encourage people to use bicycles, especially to and from work. You do not need to log how you are using your bike.
Yes – but for only 14 days as per the Cycle2work contract. From when you receive your letter of collection to collect a bike you have 14 days in which you can cancel the contract.
Its important to note that the total value of your Cycle2work letter of collection must be used all at the one time. The amount you have applied for will be the amount that you pay for even if you spend less. In addition the bike cost must be covered entirely but the letter of collection value, its not possible to add you own funds towards the bike cost.
It covers a bike and also a wide range of cycle accessories. From safety gear including lights, locks, helmet and mudguards. Maintenance gear like a pump, puncture repair kit, bike lube and cleaning equipment.
Bags, panniers and pannier racks if you want to carry some work gear on your commute or some food on a day trip. Child safety seats and trailers if you are thinking of some cycle adventures with a toddler. If its an E-bike your getting you can include battery packs and chargers. Accessories commonly asked for but not available through the scheme include gps handle bar computers, actions cameras and turbo trainers.
Yes you can, this is allows you to upgrade any cycle accessories/bike parts needing replaced and no purchase of a bike is needed. Most bike parts are included with the main exceptions being a frame and fork.
Yes! If you would like to get two bikes at the same time with Cycle2work you certainly can – as long as the total doesn’t exceed our limit of £3,500 and the bikes are a similar frame size.
Yes! Should you need another new bike you can reapply along as you have completed your salary sacrifice deductions for bike you already have through the scheme.
This one’s down to you. Looking after your bike is your responsibility.
… if cycling really is so beneficial to my health? Read more here
Cycle2work is a salary sacrifice scheme. The discount comes from paying off the bike cost straight from your salary. This means you save on tax and national insurance with the bike cost going through as a non cash benefit.
As you don’t pay income tax or national insurance on the scheme payments you will save between 32% and 42% (depending on your tax band) on the overall cost of your new bike and accessories.
The salary sacrifice happens when you give up the right to receive part of your salary. Its is where you have agreed to accept a lower amount of salary, in return for North Lanarkshire Council providing you with the non-cash benefit of the bicycle and safety equipment.
For a benefit such as a cycle2work bike, where there is a specific tax exemption, the employee can receive a tax and national insurance contribution free benefit instead of salary on which tax and class 1 nation insurance contributions would have been fully payable.
The deductions happen in installments over 12 or 18 months (whatever your preference is). The deductions are automatically taken from your salary once you are issued your Cycle2work voucher (letter of collection). The deductions amount is consistent to equally spread the total deduction amount over the 12 or 18 months period you selected.. The exact deduction amount is confirmed with you as part of the application process.
Costs start from as little as £4.70 per 4 weekly pay over a 1 year period. The Halfords Cycle 2 Work Calculator will show what your savings could be and what your salary deductions could be. To use the calculator just enter what you’re thinking of spending on a bike and what your pay type is (2 weekly, 4 weekly etc).
After the 12 or 18 month payment period you set, the deductions automatically stop. There are no additional costs. Part of the scheme is a “transfer of ownership”. This is needed for the Cycle2work scheme to be compliant with HMRC rules. It has no cost for you, you simply indicate you will extend the hire agreement. No further actions needed.
You will have to pay ALL the outstanding payments remaining on your Agreement from your final net salary. The deduction is taken from net rather than gross salary, as you will no longer be entitled to benefit from Income Tax and NI savings.
Please be aware you may be left with a zero net salary after deductions are taken. If there is not enough net salary to recover from your final salary an invoice will then need to be raised. You will be required to pay this invoice within 14 days of your departure from North Lanarkshire Council.
You will be contacted by Halfords in due course regarding end of hire options as usual. As you left the scheme early you will be due to pay a fair market value to keep the bike – this is determined by HMRC and is 18 to 25% of the original bike value.
If you think your employment is likely to end before the 12 month period of the hire, you should consider very carefully whether you wish to participate in the scheme.
Yes. You can only take part in certain employee benefits if your salary remains above the national living wage level. Benefits like buy and bank leave, additional voluntary contributions (AVC) to your pension and electric car scheme (coming soon). Please bear this in mind when taking out a 12 or 18 month long Cycle2work agreement.
Click on the map to access all the participating retailers in the Halfords Cycle2work scheme.
This ranges from Halfords stores,Tredz online and hundreds of independent cycle shops. The selection is massive but please note Evans Cycles and Decathalon are not part of the Halfords Cycle2work scheme.
Two weeks from when you apply provided your bike is in stock 🙂
-on the application form selecting the wrong pay frequency like monthly pay instead of four weekly
-on the application form entering personal details that are different from your details on mySelf, check those personal details by logging into mySelf and making sure your address etc is all up to date
-you have applied for an amount that covers the bike you want but ….
…….you didn’t check the availabilty of the bike and its sold out and so you need more or less for a different bike (this requires you to cancel the application and reapply) or
…….you now want a lock, lights and helmet etc also so you need to alter the amount applied for (this requires you to cancel the application and reapply) or
…….you change your mind about the bike you want and so you need more or less for a different bike (this requires you to cancel the application and reapply) or
……. deciding you want to cancel the original application and so apply for a different amount before you actually cancel the original the application
Yes – but for only 14 days as per the Cycle2work contract. From when you receive your letter of collection to collect a bike you have 14 days in which you can cancel the contract.
The mylifestyle portal provides colleagues access to wide variety of savings all in one place.
Savings range from retail discounts, tax free new bikes and e-bikes plus coming soon a salary sacrifice electric car scheme.
No – its available to all NLC colleagues at no charge. Please note restrictions apply to the tax free new bikes and e-bikes plus the salary sacrifice electric car scheme.
Got a query or a question then check out the supports that are available:
–For a registration query – email workwellNLshoppingplatform@northlan.gov.uk or get in touch via the work well NL yammer channel
–For a question about discounts and offers – call the helpline on 0800 019 6666 or use the contact us option circled below
As a leader in NLC you have the key role of promoting work well NL supports to colleagues in your teams. This will involve raising awareness of what health and wellbeing assistance your team can access.
The supports available through work well NL are covered across five areas:
Think well – includes counselling, mental health awareness toolkits and wellness at work plans
Shop well – includes exclusive savings to support engagement
Financially well – includes confidential supports on money matters
Move well – includes physiotherapy
Socially well – includes supports on healthy connections/relationships
Scroll down for more supports
Resources to help managers keep up-to-date with changing HR processes and procedures.
Macmillan at Work provides information and resources for managers to help them support staff affected by cancer
Scroll down to reveal all suggested supports
Lanarkshire’s first stop shop for online mental health and wellbeing, providing information for people seeking assistance with mental health problems.
This new support is run by NHS Lanarkshire Adult Psychology Services. It aims to link you to mental health information, online courses and help.
These online programmes give you the skills to deal with everyday issues that affect your emotional health from COVID-19, Resilience, Sleep and Stress.
It’s easier to spot signs of stress in other people than it is to see them in ourselves. And often people don’t want to admit, even to themselves, that they’re starting to struggle.
Unfortunately, this means many people plough on, despite the warning signs, until they can no longer cope. If you’ve noticed changes in someone’s behaviour that suggests they’re feeling stressed, reach out to them. Let them know that you’ve noticed they don’t seem quite themselves.
Talking things through openly with someone we trust can help us see things differently and find new solutions. Even just knowing that somebody is there to listen can make a huge difference. Giving someone who is feeling stressed your time and undivided attention is one of the best things you can do to support them.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it can be difficult to see a way out of a problem. Reminding and reassuring someone that this won’t last forever and that the situation can improve, will help them keep things in perspective.
Your independent observations of someone’s behaviour can help them identify patterns that they hadn’t noticed before.
This can be a sensitive topic, as it will mean drawing attention to negative thoughts or feelings, so remaining calm, objective and non-judgemental is important.
In the same way, you could also help someone identify situations and activities that help them to feel less stressed and more in control. For example getting outside for a walk, taking a relaxing bath or reading a book.
If there’s a specific issue that’s causing someone to feel stressed such as money worries, job loss or relationship problems, you may be able to help them find practical solutions that make the situation easier.
Take part in a webinar which aims to support anyone having a conversation with someone who may be at risk of suicide. Find out more and how to book on Be Suicide ALERT webinar by clicking here – this will take you to learn NL.
Click below to access
The new shopping discounts platform gives money off everything from your regular food shops, to online shopping, to that expensive bit of tech, or a family holiday.
Yes, hundreds including Currys, Tesco, Asda, Argos, B&Q plus lots lots more.
No – its available to all NLC colleagues at no charge.
Check out the leadership academy opportunities now
This live session will introduce the team dashboard on learn NL
Our NHS colleagues are delivering Stigma Free Lanarkshire: Understanding Mental Health Stigma workshops, an interactive workshop raising awareness around stigma and discrimination. If you are interested in attending one of the workshops, sign up using the appropriate link below.
By the end of the 90-minute session you will:
• Have a better understanding of what mental health stigma and discrimination is
• How it affects people’s recovery from mental illness
• Why it is an important issue to tackle
• Have the opportunity to join the Stigma Free Lanarkshire Movement and access signposting information and resources
Dates and times Sign-Up Link
Tuesday 10th May 1.30pm https://forms.office.com/r/7uLyp0fgrd
Wednesday 11th May 10am https://forms.office.com/r/j0EpKWeiNL
Thursday 12th May 1.30pm https://forms.office.com/r/QcKEkEAtFN
Our Employee Equality Forum has a series of TEAM events coming up for all employees on topics related to mental health.
• 17 May – promoting positive mental health
• 9 June – stigma and mental health; and
All events running from 11:00am – 1:00pm.
More information and joining instructions coming soon. If you want to sign up send an email to employeeequalityforum@northlan.gov.uk and info will be sent straight to your inbox.
Join the Employee Equality Forum yammer group here .
As part of mental health awareness week we are delighted to be offering all NLC colleagues a free family day pass with Active NL.
Sounds great – tell me more!
The day pass can be used by up to 4 people between the Monday 9 and Sunday 15 of May. With the day pass NLC colleagues and their families can participate in any combination of activities from Active NL pools, gyms and classes.
How to I get involved?
Show your NLC ID badge on arrival at a Active NL venue and provide your name.
Please note time capsule waterpark is not part of the family day pass and that classes will be subject to availability so please call ahead to book if you have a certain class in mind ?
Check out the British Cycling 8 week sofa to 50 km cycle plan 
myNL explores how we can tackle workplace stress
Resources to help employees become more aware of mental health issues in the workplace
Resources to help managers become more aware of mental health issues in the workplace
Let us know you’re taking part and what favourite activities you’ll be doing over the fifty days from Saturday 15 January to Saturday 5 March – we’ll include your in virtual sign up wall below!
Get in touch by emailing workwellNL@northlan.gov.uk or by messaging on yammer.
The Money Helper short guides below support positive conversations about money management :
Plus check out this handy guide
Lanarkshire’s first stop shop for online mental health and wellbeing, providing information for people seeking assistance with mental health problems.
This new support is run by NHS Lanarkshire Adult Psychology Services. It aims to link you to mental health information, online courses and help.
Click or tap on the head phones below to tune into a popular mental health podcast available for free.
Hundreds of NLC colleagues are riding bikes they initially got through Cycle2work. In the video Claire Grierson from the Craigneuk Family Learning Centre shares her experience of getting a bike through Cycle2work and on the right Mairi MacVicar a Active School Co-ordinator also shares her experiences.
Tune into a live road show for a quick A to Z of the Cycle2work scheme. Find out about all the benefits you get from participating in Cycle2work.
Sound good? Just click the below link to register with your microsoft account and receive a calendar invite for the event.
Registration – Cycle2work virtual roadshow
North Lanarkshire Leisure in partnership with NHS Lanarkshire are delighted to present a programme of Back Classes.
The classes introduce actions and movements that will help keep your back strong and supple and also support those troubled with chromic back pain issues.
Tuesday 5 October – 1 to 1.30pm
Wednesday 6 October – 4 to 4.30pm
These virtual classes are for NLC colleagues and will be led by Joe Fennessey of NL Leisure. The classes will include some time for questions and answers.
To book on please email workwellNL@northlan.gov.uk .
Tue 09:30 to 10:30 – Sir Matt Busby Sports Complex
Wed 09:30 to 10:30 – Time Capsule
Wed 13:30 to 14:30 – Wishaw Sports Centre
Wed 19:30 to 20:30 – Tryst Sports Centre
Thu 15:15 to 16:15 – Tryst Sports Centre
The classes are FREE for 20 sessions and £2.10 thereafter. More information about
how to enrol is available by emailing the active health team by clicking here.
We are delighted to be offering a webinar that will introduce the Simplyhealth plans in more detail and offer the chance to ask any questions you may have.
Be one of the first 25 colleagues to book on the Simplyhealth webinar and you’ll get a £5 costa coffee voucher 🙂
The webinar is running –
To book on please email workwellNL@northlan.gov.uk .
Time for Talking have put a number of new measures in place to ensure a safe and healthy environment for clients and staff.
Clients will be required to arrive at their designated appointment time. There are no waiting areas open.
Route planning appsBest route planning apps guide by Sustrans
On the map below you’ll find routes around Strathclyde park or check out the app store and search for walking cycling Lanarkshire.
Please email all your queries and questions to workwellNL@northlan.gov.uk .
Find out below what tunes you should be plugging into to help keep you focused or boost your creativity.
A recent investigation into the power of music revealed the must-have tunes to include in your working from home playlist to maximise productivity and creative thoughts.
Which songs will help you focus?According to research published in the journal of Neuroscience and Behavioural Psychology, participants who were tasked with identifying Arabic numbers within a random selection of images and, were listening to either classical or rock music, were 0.2 seconds quicker at completing the task.
Additionally, those listening to classical or rock were 87% more likely to correctly identify the numbers than the group that wasn’t listening to any music.
Elsewhere, if you need to cancel out background noise, researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York found that nature sounds, such as rainfalls and trickling water, can help you to keep focussed.
Research has found that happier music could be your best bet when wanting to enhance creativity.
When this theory was tested by scientists from the Netherlands and Australia, the study found that those who listened to Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons, Op. 8 No. 1, RV 269, “Spring”: I. Allegro’ were 23% more creative than those participants that sat in silence during the test.
Manage your anxiety coming out of lock downShort video exploring best appoaches you can use to manage your anxiety of coming out of lock down – fifteen minutes in length
How to rebuild confidence post lock down – three tips This article looks at three tops tips for starting to build up your confidence
NHS inform self help guide on anxiety Work through a guide for people with mild to moderate anxiety symptons. This guide aims to help you find out if you have symptons, find out more about anxiety and to find ways to manage or overcome anxiety.
With modern technical clothing, staying warm and dry on the bike, no matter how bad the weather, has never been easier. Below British Cycling provides you advice on choosing the correct clothes, getting your layering right and other practical tips for staying warm through the worst of the British winter.
On a hilly route in cold or wet conditions, as well as making descending potentially hazardous, you’re likely to overheat and sweat on the climbs and then get chilled on downhills. By choosing a flatter route you can keep your effort level more constant, meaning a more even temperature and less need to stop to remove or add layers.
Riding off-road can often feel warmer as you tend to be working a bit harder and, as speeds are typically lower, you won’t generate so much windchill. Also, in icy or snowy conditions, you’re probably safer off the roads.
Make sure you’ve had a decent breakfast or, if riding later in the day, have had a suitable snack or meal to fuel your ride. If your blood sugar drops, you’ll feel the cold more and won’t have the energy to up your pace to warm-up. This is why good fuelling is also very important when riding in the winter. Put your shoes, socks and gloves near a radiator to warm them up.
The warming boost will only last a few minutes but can really help getting you out of the door. Consider using insulated bottles with a hot drink in them. Green tea with honey works really well. Don’t overdress or you’ll sweat, get chilled and probably have to stop to take off layers. Start off feeling slightly chilled and, once you get going, you’ll feel just right.
Non-vented aero style road helmets can keep your head warmer, especially when paired with a windproof skullcap or traditional Belgian style winter hat.
Glasses with clear or light enhancing lenses protect your eyes from spray and drying cold winds. A snood style neck tube keep your neck warm and can be pulled over your mouth and nose if it gets really cold.
Cold hands can ruin a ride and affect your ability to brake and change gear. Look for gloves which aren’t too bulky but have some insulation and are wind and waterproof.
Make sure they’re not too tight as this can limit circulation and cause your hands to become chilled. Some riders prefer lobster style gloves or mittens but make sure you can still operate your brake/gear levers. Seal the cuffs of your jacket go over the cuffs of your gloves as this will keep rain and cold air out and trap warm air.
Top 10 tips for keeping your hands warm
Always start with a close fitting wicking base layer. If it’s really cold you might want to get one with a windproof front for added protection.
Next, go for an insulating mid-layer, such as a winter weight cycling jersey. Another option are modern weatherproof jerseys. Although not fully waterproof they provide good protection from the wind and, being highly breathable, are excellent for faster paced riding.
Finally, you need a wind/waterproof shell layer. For cold but dry days, a lightweight windproof or gilet might be enough or you could opt for a softshell if you want a bit more breathability. If rain is forecast a packable waterproof can be a ride-saver but, if it’s cold and wet right from the start of your ride, a heavier duty breathable waterproof, ideally with taped seams, that you’ll wear throughout, is the way to go.
Bib tights provide extra protection against the elements for your lower torso and, most importantly, keep your lower back covered when low on your drops. Look for ones that have wind/waterproof front panels but more breathable and articulated rears. Ankle zips make it easier to fit your tight’s cuffs over your overshoes/booties.
Choose knee length socks that offer good insulation without excessive bulk as tight shoes are one of the main causes of cold or numb feet. Waterproof merino lined socks are expensive but provide a great final line of defence against water. If you choose overshoes, make sure you tape up any vents on the bottom of your cycling shoes and loosen off the straps to accommodate bigger socks. Dedicated winter booties are great but ensure you buy a slightly bigger size than your summer shoes so you can wear warmer socks. Make sure that the bottoms of your tights or leg warmers come over the top of your overshoes or booties. Finally, probably the best way to prevent cold and wet feet, is to fit full length mudguards to your bike.
This is super ways of having a short social catch up with team colleagues. Have a set 11am team break for ten minutes on agreed days of the week/every day depending on what works best for the team 🙂
Put your trainers on and catch up with a colleague for a walking meeting following socially distancing guidelines. Even if you aren’t working close to colleagues geographically just plug your headphones into your phone and you can get walking and talking 🙂
Agree a lunch date with the team and have a blast with a virtual team lunch cook along. Take your digital device into the kitchen to enjoy everyone’s company over lunch whilst you cook up and eat in the comfort of your own home!
Some teams can get very organised with themed team lunch dates from sandwiches to pastries to pasta dishes!
Many colleagues now working remotely have really missed the chance office encounters with team colleagues they maybe didn’t directly work with. That’s those brilliant brief conversations with team members who you hot desked next to or had a chance discussion with in the lift or at the water cooler.
The ideal below supports those brief by chance conversations to continue.
The excel spreadsheet accessible here creates a random hot desking style seating plan for your team colleagues. All you need to do is input the teams first names and make a couple of clicks. Whoever you are randomly sat beside you should catch up with over the next couple of week- this could be a walk ‘n’ talk or virtual coffee.
Then in a month you press the random reset button and the next virtual seating plan emerges.
Here’s some ideas for quick team breaks and some fun …. warning this can get competitive!!
Worst jumper, exercise challenge, fancy dress outfit, funniest pest moment, craziest coffee mug or daftest hat.
Here is a five second exercise challenge….think you can control your own foot and hand movements? Be ready to be blown away by this five second sitting challenge
Find out who is the team bingo and typing champions. Give remote working bingo a go and take a live typing test to see who the team typing champ is!
plus 
Many many possible questions are available here for potential team quiz masters.
Please share the fun activities that have worked well with your team by emailing them to NLlife@northlan.gov.uk
Whether you have the voice of a songbird or sound like some ball-bearings in a blender, singing can have some remarkably positive effects.
Are you stressed? Singing and music is one of the world’s most accessible ways to reduce stress and improve your overall health well being, both mentally and physically.
This BBC article explores the instant benefits of singing more
Researchers says listening to this song reduces anxiety by 65%
Suggested tunes you should be plugging into to – tunes that help keep you focused or boost your creativity 🙂
Project Lift exists to support leadership across all levels and stages, in roles across health and social care in Scotland.
Find out about:
Can I keep using reloadable discount cards I have with the previous shopping discounts platform?You will not be able to top up any reloadable discount cards you have from the previous platform, however the cards will still be live and you will be able to spend the existing card balances on your current cards until the balance has gone. You are able to order new reloadable discount cards on the new shopping discounts platform.
Yes you will need to register with the new shopping discount platform as the old platform is closed.
There are four different ways you can get a discount depending on the retailer:
physical gift card – eGift card – online codes – discounted retailers websites
Find out more below
You can access exclusive offers from hundreds of top brands and retailors at any time. Select your retailer and choose how much you want to spend, add it to your basket, and we’ll apply the discount instantly.
For example, if you buy a £100 gift card with a 10% discount, you’ll only pay £90. You’ll receive your gift card within 3-5 working days in the post. Many gift cards are reloadable, so you can top up when your credit runs low, perfect for a weekly supermarket shop.
eGift cardsDiscounted eGift cards work in the same way as normal gift cards or vouchers, only they are instant! Simply search for your chosen retailer and select the eGift option. Choose how much you want to spend – you will then see the discount price you actually need to pay. Once your payment has been processed, your eGift card will be sent to your email address ready for you to use instantly.
Online codes – instant discountsMake on the spot savings at a range of retailers with exclusive online discount codes. Depending on the retailer, you will either be directed to their website where the discount has already been applied or asked to enter the code at checkout (online or over the phone). Either way, you can make a great saving whenever suits you!
Discounted retailer websitesYou can get instant discounted items online thanks to dedicated exclusive corporate websites. All the products listed on these websites will already be discounted.
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy recommends to try and build the following stretches into your working day to avoid aches and pains associated with being sedentary.
The flu is much worse than a bad cold, thousands are hospitalised with flu every year in Scotland. The flu vaccination is the safest, most effective may to protect yourself from the flu. Check out the NHS winter flu vaccination facts .
NHS inform have advised that the following groups are eligible for the flu vaccination via NHS this year:
All colleagues who meet the criteria for a free flu vaccination via NHS will receive a letter from NHS detailing the arrangements for their flu vaccination. Some eligible groups have already started to receive their letters. If you are in an eligible group but are yet to receive your letter about the flu vaccination it should arrive in the coming weeks.
Colleagues who are Social Care Workers providing direct personal care please see the flu vac work well page for more info.
If you do not qualify for a free flu vaccination via NHS then work well NL will pay for the flu vaccination for you. NHS eligible groups for a flu vac are available here.
Due to high demand for the flu vaccination some pharmacies are experiencing national supply issues and so have temporarily stopped providing the flu vaccination. You should still register your interest on the pharmacies websites. The pharmacy will then contact you when they are able to supply your flu vaccination.
If you do not qualify for a free flu vaccination via NHS then you can arrange to get a flu vaccination at a local pharmacies or super market pharmacy for around £13 and get that charge reimbursed with your pay.
The flu vaccination can be booked directly with your preferred local pharmacy online or by calling the pharmacy directly. While many pharmacies do offer flu vaccinations some don’t and so you may need to try an alternative pharmacy. Additionally please beware some pharmacies are experiencing a very high demand for the flu vaccination and so you may have to wait a period of time before getting it.
How do I get reimbursed?After you have received the flu vaccination you can claim back the amount you paid for the vaccination using mySelf and this will be reimbursed in your next available pay. You will need to provide evidence of the amount you paid for the flu vaccine in order to be reimbursed – receipt/online payment would be ideal. Please note that as it stands currently you will be taxed on this amount.
You need to take just six steps on mySelf to be reimbursed for your flu vaccination cost.
Anyone can get flu! Generally, around 15 to20% of the population get flu every year – including healthy people like you. Even if you are healthy, and you get flu you can still pass flu on to others, particularly those at more serious risk of infection and complications.
For the majority of people that is the case. Each year, however, a number of individuals are admitted to hospital with confirmed flu requiring intensive care management, some of whom sadly die due to pneumonia or other complications of flu.
Side effects are usually mild. There may be some pain, redness and swelling locally which usually lasts for 24-48 hours.
The vaccine does not contain any live viruses so it is impossible for it to give you flu.
The vaccine and circulating strains change most years so you do need to be immunised each year.
This may have been the cold or another bug. The vaccine takes 10 days to work, so you may have been unlucky and caught the flu just before getting vaccinated. It was not the vaccine.
The risk of having a serious (anaphylactic) reaction is less than one in a million.
The flu vaccine can be safely given to women at any stage of pregnancy. The sooner in the flu season that you are immunised the sooner you (and your baby) are protected.
The seasonal flu vaccine is one of the safest vaccines in the world and is given to millions of people in the UK each year. The specific strains of flu that are included may change from one year to the next but that does not affect the safety of the vaccine or change it in any other way
The vaccine won’t make you infectious to anyone, so it’s safe to carry on as normal
