It's time to organise that yearly flu vaccination
Summer may only just be coming to an end but it is that time of year again to organise your yearly flu vaccination, especially if you are at risk of health complications should you catch flu.
You can receive the flu jab free if you are aged 65 years or older, are pregnant, or have a health condition that puts you at risk of flu complications such as severe asthma, chest or heart complaints and diabetes.
You can receive the flu jab free if you are aged 65 years or older, are pregnant, or have a health condition that puts you at risk of flu complications such as severe asthma, chest or heart complaints and diabetes.
And if you care for someone who is elderly or disabled, whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill, you are also encouraged to get the vaccination.
As part of the 2014 - 2015 seasonal flu campaign, 2, 3 and 4 year olds will also be vaccinated at their GP surgery using a nasal spray, and children in school Year 7 vaccinated through the school nursing service.
Teresa Owen, Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Flu isn’t just a cold. It can be a really serious illness for some people. If you’re in any of the at-risk groups, the flu jab is free of charge and a safe way of protecting you and your family through the winter months.
“The flu virus changes every year and starts circulating in the community in the autumn so it is important to get your flu jab every year and early through one of the clinics to minimise your risk of catching it.”
Front line local authority staff who come into direct contact with vulnerable people are asked to speak to their employer to see if they qualify for a free jab at their registered GP surgery. Hywel Dda University Health Board offers a free flu jab to all their staff, to protect themselves, their family and their patients.
Contact your GP surgery today to arrange your free flu jab. People who aren’t in the at-risk groups can pay for a flu vaccination privately. In Wales, the flu vaccination is available in a range of larger pharmacies and supermarkets for a fee. To find out more about flu and the vaccination please visit www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/f/article/flujab,seasonal/.
As part of the 2014 - 2015 seasonal flu campaign, 2, 3 and 4 year olds will also be vaccinated at their GP surgery using a nasal spray, and children in school Year 7 vaccinated through the school nursing service.
Teresa Owen, Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Flu isn’t just a cold. It can be a really serious illness for some people. If you’re in any of the at-risk groups, the flu jab is free of charge and a safe way of protecting you and your family through the winter months.
“The flu virus changes every year and starts circulating in the community in the autumn so it is important to get your flu jab every year and early through one of the clinics to minimise your risk of catching it.”
Front line local authority staff who come into direct contact with vulnerable people are asked to speak to their employer to see if they qualify for a free jab at their registered GP surgery. Hywel Dda University Health Board offers a free flu jab to all their staff, to protect themselves, their family and their patients.
Contact your GP surgery today to arrange your free flu jab. People who aren’t in the at-risk groups can pay for a flu vaccination privately. In Wales, the flu vaccination is available in a range of larger pharmacies and supermarkets for a fee. To find out more about flu and the vaccination please visit www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/f/article/flujab,seasonal/.
Comments