An annual flu jab is recommended for all patients over the age of 65 years and younger patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes or copd. It is also given to adults with compromised immunity for example following splenectomy or those with HIV. It is now also offered routinely to pregnant women.

This helps protect you against the most prevalent flu viruses around during the flu season. The components of the vaccine may vary year to year taking account of change in prevalent viruses.

The swine flu vaccine is currently included in the annual flu jab.

The above groups of patients are also recommended immunisation against pneumococcus

If you fall in the above priority groups, you will be automatically sent an invite to have the vaccination done. However if you feel you are eligible for the vaccination and have not received an invite, please contact the surgery.

If you do not fall into one of the priority groups but still wish to have the vaccination done, you will usually have to wait till the vaccination programme is completed for the priority groups as vaccine supplies may be limited. The nurse or receptionist will be able to tell you when this is likely to be. A small charge may apply for non priority patients.

If you are a healthy young adult, catching the seasonal flu is usually no more than an inconvenience and you should be able to shake it off in a week or two with symptomatic treatment

If you fall in one of the priority groups and already vulnerable, catching the flu can have severe consequences.

Following the flu jab some patients may feel slightly unwell for a couple of days as the immune system reacts to the vaccine. However symptoms are usually mild and resolve quickly.

Seasonal flu jab