What is flu?
Flu occurs every year, usually in the winter, which is why it is sometimes called seasonal flu. It is a very infectious disease that can come on very quickly. The most common symptoms of flu are fever, chills, cough, headache, pains in your joints and muscles and extreme tiredness. Healthy people usually recover within 3 to 4 weeks, but some people can develop serious life-threatening complications and need to be admitted to hospital.
Colds are much less serious and usually start with a stuffy or a runny nose, sore throat and cough.
How do we prevent the spread of flu?
Flu is unpredictable and there can be different strains of the virus. However, over the last ten years, the flu vaccine has generally been very good at targeting the circulating strains.
The flu vaccine is available every year on the NHS to help protect adults and children who are most at risk of flu and its complications.
Flu Vaccination Appointments – What You Need to Know
Click here for the news article and clinic information
Getting your flu vaccine is a safe and simple way to protect yourself and others. Please read the information below before coming to your appointment.
Check Your Eligibility
You can check if you are eligible for a free flu vaccine here: Patient Access – Flu Eligibility
Before your appointment
- Do not come if you are unwell. If you have a fever or feel very unwell, please wait until you are better.
- If you have COVID-19. Do not attend if you have tested positive, are waiting for a result, or have symptoms.
- Other vaccines. If you recently had another vaccine (for example, shingles), check with us before your flu vaccine.
- Arrive on time. Please come at your appointment time, not too early.
- Wear loose fitting clothing. Wearing loose fitting clothes will help us to reduce the time it takes us to vaccinate you.
During your appointment
- A nurse or trained healthcare worker will give you the vaccine.
- We will ask for your consent before the vaccination.
- You may be offered other vaccines at the same time if it is safe.
- For adults, the flu vaccine is usually given as an injection in the upper arm.
- For children, the vaccine is often given as a nasal spray.
After your vaccination
You may feel some mild side effects, such as:
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- Soreness where the injection was given
- Aching muscles
- Slight fever or feeling unwell for a day or two
These are common and should pass quickly.
Serious side effects are very rare. If you notice a severe reaction or feel very unwell, contact the surgery or seek urgent medical help.
Prefer not to have a vaccine?
If you don’t wish to have your flu vaccine at any point prior to or during the Flu season you can fill out this form here. We will update your records so that we do not send you any further invites during the season. Please note, we will invite you again during the next flu season and give you the option to opt out again.