Even those who had a flu jab last winter need another one this year to stay protected.
Ruth Hutt, the Council’s Director of Public Health said: “Flu is not like a cold – it can be a really serious illness for some people. Getting the flu jab is an important way to protect yourself (and the people you care for), particularly if you are pregnant, over 65 years of age, or in one of the other at-risk groups.
“We urge residents at increased risk of developing complications from getting flu to get protected with the flu jab this winter. Antibiotics won’t relieve your symptoms, nor will it speed up your recovery.”
Who can get the vaccination for free?
This year, flu vaccinations will be offered FREE of charge to the following groups:
- People aged 65 years or over
- People aged under 65 years with long term medical conditions
- Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
- Children of school years 1, 2, 3 & 4; as well as those in reception class
- People living in long-stay care facilities
- Care workers providing direct hands-on support to social care service users
- Carers of an older or disabled person, including those in receipt of carers allowance
You can arrange for your FREE vaccination through your GP or local pharmacy.
Flu facts
- Flu isn’t just a cold, it can be a really serious illness
- The flu jab can’t give you flu
- Flu vaccines are among the safest medical products in use. Like any medical product, vaccines can cause side effects. These side effects are generally mild and go away on their own within a few days.
- The flu virus changes, so you need a flu jab every year
- The flu jab protects people of all ages including those over 65 years of age
- The flu jab is also recommended for those with long term medical condition
- 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.
- People who look after others such as carers and care workers can protect the vulnerable people they care for by getting vaccinated
Find out more
Read about the flu and the flu vaccine, via the NHS Choices website.
Get further information about the flu jab, via the NHS Choices website.
Download the Public Health England flu vaccination leaflet.
