Details of local flu clinics are now available via the locality pages of the NHS Dorset CCG website – www.dorsetccg.nhs.uk.
Every year the NHS offers a free vaccination against flu to people who are considered to be at risk. If you’re in one of these risk groups, you’re more likely to develop potentially serious complications of flu, such as pneumonia a lung infection.
A flu vaccine is available free on the NHS for:
- anyone over the age of 65;
- pregnant women;
- children and adults with an underlying health condition (particularly long-term heart or respiratory disease);
- children and adults with weakened immune systems.
It is given as an annual injection to:
- adults over the age of 18 at risk of flu (including everyone over 65);
- children aged six months to two years at risk of flu
The flu vaccine is also given as an annual nasal spray to:
- children aged two to 18 years at risk of flu;
- healthy children aged two, three and four years old.
Studies have shown that the flu jab will help prevent you getting the flu; however, it won’t stop all flu viruses and the level of protection may vary between people.
It is important to have a jab each year because over time, protection from the flu vaccine gradually decreases and flu strains often change. New flu vaccines are produced each year which will protect against those strains which are considered to be most prevalent.
You may have a slight temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days after having the jab, and your arm may be a bit sore where you were injected but serious side effects are very rare.
Most people can have the flu vaccine, but you should avoid it if you have had a serious allergic reaction to a flu vaccine in the past.
Further information about the jab along with the vaccination for your children can be found on the national NHS website www.nhs.uk.
If you are registered with a Dorset GP you may receive a letter inviting you to a vaccination clinic.
If you can’t find details of your local clinic speak to a member of staff at your usual practice.
If you are otherwise fit and healthy, there is usually no need to see a doctor if you have flu-like symptoms. The best remedy is to rest at home, keep warm and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower a high temperature and relieve aches. Choosing the right treatment can help other people get the care they need.
Most practices across Dorset will also be offering a pulse check for people over the age of 65 attending flu clinics. This is to check for atrial fibrillation, a treatable heart condition which can greatly increase the risk of stroke. To find out if your practice is taking part and for more information about pulse checks visit our Pulse Check page at www.dorsetccg.nhs.uk.
