One of the best ways to protect yourself against flu is to have a flu jab during the Autumn every year.

Flu vaccination is free of charge to those at risk.

The flu virus is constantly changing, so you need to have a jab every year to keep up your immunity. This will not stop you getting coughs and colds, but will offer protection against the latest strains of flu.

Flu vaccination rarely causes any problems. You may have a slight soreness at the injection site. Very few people get a mild fever, but this only lasts one or two days.

You should not get a flu jab if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine, including eggs or chicken proteins or if you have had a previous reaction to the flu jab.

Please let the practice know if you are allergic to any antibiotics before receiving the vaccine.

Why should I be concerned about flu?

While most people recover from flu after a couple of weeks, some develop life-threatening complications such as pneumonia, nerve and brain damage. You are more likely to be at risk from the complications of flu if your body is already weakened in some way.

• Do you have lung disease such as asthma emphysema or chronic bronchitis?
   
• Do you have heart disease, kidney disease, chronic liver disease or diabetes?
   
• Are you taking chemotherapy or steroid treatment or do you have HIV/AIDS?
   
• Do you have Multiple Sclerosis or a related condition?
   
• Do you have a degenerative disease of the Central Nervous System?
   
• Are you the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk should you fall ill?
   
• Are you aged 65 or over?

If you answer 'yes' to any of these, the Government recommends that you have a flu jab.