SEASONAL FLU VACCINATION
Flu (also known as influenza) is a highly infectious illness caused by the flu virus. It spreads rapidly through small droplets coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person. Studies have shown that flu vaccines provide effective protection against the flu.
Protection from the vaccine gradually decreases and flu strains change over time. Therefore, new vaccines are made each year and people at risk of flu are encouraged to be vaccinated every year.
The flu vaccination is offered to people in at-risk groups. These people are at greater risk of developing serious complications if they catch flu, such as pregnant women and elderly people.
SHOULD I GET THE FLU VACCINATION?
For most people, flu is unpleasant but not serious. You will usually recover within a week. However, certain people are at greater risk of developing serious complications of flu, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. These conditions may require hospital treatment. The flu vaccine is offered free to people who are at risk, to protect them from catching flu and developing serious complications.
To see if you are eligible and for more detail about the flu vaccine, please visit here (this may change year-by-year)
or for more information about Children’s Flu vaccine, visit here
FLU CLINICS
Elmwood Family Doctor’s offers Flu vaccinations to all of our patients that are eligible.
Prior to October, patients will be sent a text message with a link. Please click on the link to book your appointment.
If you are unsure how to book online, please watch our video which takes you through it step-by-step.
We also put updates on our Facebook page.
For more information, please visit our Flu Clinic page.
WHO SHOULD NOT HAVE THE FLU VACCINATION?
You should not have the flu vaccine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a flu vaccine or one of its ingredients. This happens very rarely.
If you have had a confirmed very serious (anaphylactic) reaction to egg, have an egg allergy with uncontrolled asthma or another type of allergy to egg, your GP may decide that you should be vaccinated with an egg-free vaccine. If no egg-free vaccine is available, your GP will identify a suitable vaccine with a low egg (ovalbumin) content. Depending on the severity of your egg allergy, your GP may decide to refer you to a specialist for vaccination in hospital. If you are ill with a fever, do not have your flu jab until you have recovered.