We understand some people may be conflicted about the idea of taking non-vegetarian/vegan medication; however, we would urge everyone to take the medicines and vaccines they need.
Every year a flu vaccination programme is offered by the NHS. This year, with Covid-19 still circulating, more people than ever are being offered a free flu jab. Here is what we know about this year’s flu vaccination programme.
There are four different types of flu vaccine being used in the UK this year. They are:
| Name of vaccine | Description | Vegetarian | Vegan |
| aTIV | Grown in fertilised hen’s eggs; chick embryos are killed during the production process; includes a fish-derived ingredient (squalene). | No | No |
| QIVc | Grown in cells, rather than in eggs. The cell line used (called “MDCK”) originated from a dog’s kidney in 1958. It is a “continuous cell line”, meaning no new cells have been taken since then. | No | No |
| QIVe | Grown in fertilised hen’s eggs; chick embryos are killed during the production process. | No | No |
| LAIV | Grown in fertilised hen’s eggs; chick embryos are killed during the production process; includes pork gelatine. Given as a nasal spray. | No | No |
There are slight differences in the flu vaccination programmes being offered in the four countries of the United Kingdom. The general guidance provided by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is as follows:
- For people aged 65 and over, aTIV is recommended. QIVc can be offered as an alternative.
- For people between the ages of 18 and 64, QIVc is recommended, although QIVe is considered a suitable alternative.
- Children between the ages of 2 and 17 will be offered LAIV. Medically at-risk children under the age of 9 who cannot have LAIV for health reasons can be offered QIVe. Medically at-risk children aged 9 and above who cannot have LAIV for health reasons should be offered QIVc. If QIVc is unavailable, then QIVe may be offered instead.
Further information about the UK’s flu vaccination programmes
England: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/who-should-have-flu-vaccine/
Wales: https://gov.wales/wales-announces-largest-ever-flu-vaccine-programme
Scotland: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/vaccines/flu-vaccine
Northern Ireland: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/flu-vaccination-programme-be-expanded
If you have any further questions, please email us at hello@vegsoc.org or call 0161 925 2000.