Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board | Protect Yourself and Others .... Get a Flu Jab

Seasonal flu happens every year, usually in the winter. It's a highly infectious disease caused by a virus and spreads easily from person to person. Flu is far more serious than a cold. Symptoms can hit you suddenly and severely and usually include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles - you can get a cough and sore throat at the same time. Some people can develop complications from flu infection requiring admission to hospital. In some cases, flu can kill.

A vaccine is available every year to protect those people who are most at risk of developing these complications.

With the coughs, colds and flu season just round the corner, it’s important if you’re included in the group considered to be more ‘at risk’ of developing serious complications from contracting flu – you need to help protect yourself and others this winter and get your annual flu jab.

The vaccination is quick and could help prevent weeks of illness and misery.

Each year, a vaccine is developed to protect against the strains of flu virus that are expected to be circulating that winter

Are you in any of the following risk groups for seasonal flu? If so, you are entitled to a free flu jab now

Aged 65 years and over
Pregnant
Those living in a residential or nursing home
The carer of an older or disabled person
Aged 6 months and over with any of the following medical conditions:
- A heart problem
- A chest complaint or breathing difficulties including asthma that requires regular steroid inhalers / tablets
- Kidney disease
- Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment)
- Liver disease
- Had a stroke or a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)
- Diabetes
- A neurological condition for example Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Cerebral Palsy or Post-Polio Syndrome

Don't delay - phone your GP Surgery today to make an appointment.

Pregnant Women

It is recommended that all pregnant women should have the seasonal flu vaccine at whatever their stage of pregnancy.

This is because there is good evidence to suggest that pregnant women have an increased risk of developing complications if they get flu. The earlier a pregnant woman has the vaccine, the better as this means protection for them for the whole winter. The vaccine may also give the unborn baby protection against flu during the first six months of life.

Studies have also shown that the inactivated flu vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine and can be safely and effectively administered during any stage of pregnancy. There is no live virus in the vaccine. Several countries have been vaccinating pregnant ladies for many years.

If you are the parent of a child (over six months) with a long-term condition, speak to your GP about the flu vaccine. Your child's condition may get worse if they catch flu.

As usual, this year's flu jab (2012/13) contains 3 strains to protect you against the flu viruses circulating this year

Are there any side effects?

The seasonal flu jab does not usually cause side effects.

Sometimes, it can cause mild fever and slight muscle aches for a day or so.

Flu immunisation cannot cause flu, as there is no live virus in a flu vaccine. However, people sometimes catch other flu-like viruses, or very occasionally catch flu before the vaccine takes effect.

Allergic reactions to the vaccine are very rare.

If you have a serious egg allergy, please speak to your GP practice as a few people may not be able to have the vaccine.

For more information, download the following resources:

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Leaflet: Pregnancy and Flu

Welsh Government Leaflet: Flu is a Killer

WG Flu Leaflet (Easy Read)

Welsh Government: Bilingual Poster

Welsh Government: Bilingual Poster for Carers

Department of Health Leaflet: The Flu Vaccination for the winter of 2012/13 - Who should have it and why