The ‘flu jab’ is given each year to those at risk of developing serious complications from seasonal flu. If you have it, your risk of getting seasonal flu is greatly reduced. Priority for vaccination is given to ‘at risk’ groups; others may be offered immunisation against swine flu at a later time.

Flu is caused by the influenza virus. There are different strains of this every year (seasonal flu), which is why you need a jab every year. Symptoms include high temperature, muscle aches, headache, cough and extreme tiredness. Please see the table, or ask your nurse or doctor if you are unsure whether you need the flu jab.

The flu campaign tries to prevent people getting flu by giving flu jabs early, before the flu season starts (late autumn/winter). Please ask for details of when we will be offering our drop-in flu clinics. There is no need to book an appointment; just turn up and we will assess you and give you the flu jab if you are in a priority group.

Please contact the surgery for further details of priority groups.