The NHS in South Gloucestershire is encouraging all patients at risk of complications from flu, particularly pregnant mothers and others under 65 years old, take up the offer of this year’s flu jab.

Dr Chris Payne, Director of Public Health for South Gloucestershire, said: “Do not underestimate seasonal flu. It is not the same as getting a cold and it can cause serious illness in patients who are at risk from complications.”

All GP surgeries in South Gloucestershire contacted patients who are eligible for the flu jab to invite them to attend a clinic. By the end of October, just 29% of those under 65 who have been offered the jab had had one compared with 35% last year.

“If you have been invited for a flu jab don’t take a chance, go and get the jab. This year’s vaccine is the ordinary seasonal flu jab and it will protect you against the common strains of flu. This year it protects against three types of flu including the H1N1 strain of flu,” said Dr Chris Payne.

This year for the first time pregnant women are being offered the seasonal flu jab if they did not receive the H1N1 vaccine last year.

“This is because pregnant women who catch the H1N1 strain of flu are at an increased risk of becoming severely ill. If you have been offered a flu jab or think you may be eligible for one, contact your GP surgery. It is an easy way of helping you ensure you stay healthy this winter,” said Dr Payne.

Further information

For further information on flu - please visit www.nhs.uk/flu

You should have the seasonal flu vaccination if you are:

• aged 65 years or over
• living in a residential or nursing home
• the main carer for an older or disabled person
• pregnant
• under 65 but in an at risk group (see below)

Even if you feel healthy, you may still be at increased risk of seasonal flu. The free seasonal flu vaccination is recommended at any age if you have:

• a heart problem
• a chest complaint or breathing difficulties including, bronchitis, emphysema
• a kidney disease
• lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment)
• a liver disease
• had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
• diabetes
• a neurological condition e.g. multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
• a problem with, or removal of, your spleen e.g. sickle cell disease.

If you are pregnant you will also be offered the flu vaccination this year. This is because the H1N1 virus is circulating this winter and pregnant women who catch this strain are at an increased risk of severe disease and flu-related hospital admissions.

Questions and Answers

Q: How do I know if I have seasonal flu and not just a cold?

A: Patients with seasonal flu typically have a fever or a high temperature (over 38°C / 100.4°F) and two or more of the following symptoms:

• unusual tiredness
• headache
• runny nose
• sore throat
• shortness of breath or cough
• loss of appetite
• aching muscles
• diarrhoea and/or vomiting

Q: Will the seasonal flu vaccine make me ill?

A: The seasonal flu vaccine is very well tolerated by most recipients but there are some fairly common side effects. The vaccine does not contain any live viruses, so it cannot give you seasonal flu. Some people get a slight temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days after having the seasonal flu vaccine, and your arm may feel a bit sore where you were injected. Any other side effects are rare and are minor compared with the risks associated with seasonal flu.

Q: How effective is the seasonal flu vaccine?

A: Most people who have the seasonal flu vaccination will not get seasonal flu. However, like any vaccine, it does not give 100% protection. In years where the vaccine is well matched to the circulating viruses out of every 100 people who have the vaccine, 70-80 may be protected, while others who have had the vaccine and catch flu are more likely to get milder symptoms.

The seasonal flu vaccination will not protect you against:

• the common cold
• other winter viruses.

Q: Do I need to have the vaccination every year?

A: Yes. The virus changes every year as does the vaccine. So don’t assume that you don’t need another vaccination because you had one last year. It is best to have the seasonal flu vaccination annually in the autumn before any outbreak of seasonal flu. 

Q: Does the seasonal flu vaccine protect me against swine flu?

A: Yes. This year’s seasonal flu vaccine will protect you against swine flu.