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Should you get the flu vaccination this winter?

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For most people, flu is unpleasant, but it’s not serious. However, some people can develop potentially serious complications from flu, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. These people are advised to have a flu jab each year.

Who should have a flu jab?

Pregnant women

If you’re pregnant, you’re advised to have the flu vaccine, regardless of the stage of pregnancy you’ve reached. That’s because there’s strong evidence to suggest pregnant women have an increased risk of developing complications if they get flu.

It’s safe to have the flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy from conception onwards. The vaccine doesn’t carry any risks for you or your baby. Talk to your GP or midwife if you are unsure about the vaccination.

People with medical conditions

The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone with a serious long-term health conditions including

  • Chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma or bronchitis
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
  • Chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or motor neurone disease
  • Spleen problems – for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed
  • A weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medication such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy

Children

  • Children over the age of six months with a long-term health condition
  • Healthy children aged two, three and four

Health and social care workers

Outbreaks of flu can occur in health and social care settings, and, because flu is so contagious, staff, patients and residents are all at risk of infection.

If you’re a front-line health and social care worker get a flu vaccine to protect your colleagues and other members of the community.


 

Don’t forget to log the flu vaccine in your Cenhealth Health Diary and Vaccinations tracker. Start today