Flu

FLU IMMUNISATIONS

Anyone can get flu but it can be more serious for people aged 65 years or over and people of any age (including children over 6 months of age) with a serious medical condition, particularly those with serious heart or respiratory disease. You may also be at an increased risk if you have diabetes that requires medication, have serious kidney or liver disease or if you have lowered immunity due to disease or treatment.

If you fall into one of these groups, you are more vulnerable to the effects of flu (even if you feel fit and healthy) and could develop more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, potentially putting you in hospital. It could also make any existing condition worse. That’s why it pays to get your flu jab in the autumn before flu starts to circulate.

Because the virus constantly mutates, it’s necessary to get the jab every year, to protect you against the latest strains of the virus. The flu jab is free. So make an appointment with your GP.

For more information download the Department of Health leaflet:

Download If you knew about the flu you'd get the jab- Leaflet (updated 17 August 2006) (PDF, 978K)