Don’t Get Flu, Get Vaccinated

We are encouraging people at greater risk from the flu virus to get a free flu jab from their GP.  

Flu is a highly contagious infection that anyone can catch, and it can be really serious for some.  People at most risk include those aged 65 or over, pregnant women, and those with health conditions such as severe asthma, chest or heart complaints, and diabetes. 

The flu vaccine changes every year to fight the latest strains of flu, so even if you had a jab last winter you need another one this year.  The jab doesn’t contain the ‘live’ virus so it cannot give you the flu.

If you’re in any of the ’at risk’ groups, the flu jab is completely free, and is a safe way of protecting you and your family in a matter of minutes.

This is also the first year an annual nasal spray flu vaccine is available for all children aged 2 and 3 years. Not only is it needle-free (a big advantage for children), the nasal spray works even better than the injected flu vaccine in children.

It’s quick and painless – just one squirt up each nostril will mean your child is less likely to become ill if they come into contact with the flu virus. Flu can be very unpleasant for children. They have the same symptoms as adults – including fever, chills, aching muscles, headache, stuffy nose, dry cough and sore throat lasting up to a week. Some children develop a very high fever or complications of flu such as bronchitis, pneumonia and painful middle ear infection. They may even need hospital treatment.

Simply contact reception to arrange a convenient appointment and get vaccinated. It’s quick, safe and free for those most at risk from the flu virus.

For more information, speak to your GP or local pharmacist, or visit www.nhs.uk/flu .

Flu Jab Facts

• The flu jab can’t give you flu

•     The flu jab is perfectly safe

•  The flu virus changes, so you need a flu jab every year

• If you’re pregnant, the flu jab doesn’t harm your unborn baby. In fact it can protect your baby from flu for the first few months of life

•  The flu jab also protects against swine flu

•  The flu jab isn’t just for older people – pregnant women, those with health conditions, carers, and those with weakened immunity should all get the jab

•  The flu jab protects people of all ages

• Flu isn’t just a cold, it can be a really serious illness

• Shingles immunisation

If your date of birth falls between:

2.9.1937 and 1.9.1938

or

2.9.1945 and 1.9.1946

You may be entitled to a shingles immunisation.  Check you are within these dates of birth, then contact the surgery for an appointment.