GP Sessions: Seasonal Flu Vaccine

For most people, seasonal flu is an unpleasant illness which lasts for 7-10 days. In certain people, however, it can have much more serious implications.

‘At risk’ groups are entitled to a free vaccination on the NHS to protect them from catching flu and risking serious complications.

Those ‘at risk’ are:

• 65+
• Pregnant: Whatever stage of pregnancy they’re in, it is recommended that all pregnant women should have the seasonal flu vaccine, as they are found to have an increased risk of developing complications if they catch flu, particularly the H1N1 strain. It is safe to have the vaccine at any stage of pregnancy
• Have a serious medical condition: including: chronic respiratory disease, such as severe asthma, COPD or bronchitis; chronic heart disease, such as heart failure; chronic kidney disease; chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis; chronic neurological disease, such as a stroke, TIA or post-polio syndrome; diabetes
• A weakened immune system: due to conditions such as HIV, or treatments that suppress the immune system such as chemotherapy
• Living in a long-stay residential care home: or other long-stay care facility
• The main carer for an elderly or disabled person: whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill, or a frontline health or social care worker
• Children over the age of six months with a long-term condition: such as a serious respiratory or neurological condition

If you do not fall into any of these categories, but still want a flu jab, please contact us for an appointment with Private GP Dr Anderson at The Wellington Hospital on 0207 483 5148.