Time to start thinking about your flu jab this Winter!
September to December is prime time for the flu. Here’s why you might want to start thinking about booking your jab ahead of this flu season.
Why should I get the flu jab?
The single best way to protect against the flu is by getting your flu jab each year. For most people, the flu is an unpleasant bout of fever, aching muscles, chills, congestion and unrelenting fatigue. But for those more vulnerable, it can develop into something more serious such as a chest infection, bronchitis or even pneumonia. Flu jabs can reduce the risk of flu illness by up to 60% and is recommended annually due to there being new strains of the virus every year.
Who is entitled to the flu jab?
Anyone can get a flu jab. However, there are certain people at greater risk of developing complications as a result of the flu, who are urged to get their jab each year. If you fall into any of the high-risk categories, you are entitled to a free vaccination through your GP and some pharmacists. Those listed by the NHS as ‘high-risk’ will be contacted to make an appointment via their GP. Anyone else outside of the high-risk category can still pay for a flu vaccination through their local pharmacy.
People considered high risk include:
• People over 65
• Women who are pregnant
• Anyone with a serious condition
• Anyone who is living with someone with a serious condition
• Residents of a care or nursing home
• Parents of a child in an at-risk group over the age of 6 months
Other people who are eligible for a free flu jab include:
• Health and social care workers working with ill, elderly or vulnerable people
• Anyone with the following medical conditions:
– Diabetes
– Lung disease
– Asthma
– Heart, kidney or liver conditions
– Long-term neurological conditions i.e. Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
When should I get my jab?
We recommend booking your appointment anytime from September in preparation for flu season. The jab can take up to two weeks to take effect, which is why it is recommended that you get your jab as early as possible. If you are a patient at Morlais Health and are eligible for a free flu jab, get in touch to book an appointment today.