Don’t delay make sure you get the jab

Get the jab to protect yourself against flu this winter, says NHS Sutton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) GPs
With the temperature dropping in recent weeks, autumn is well and truly upon us – which means that bugs like the flu are on the rise. GPs in NHS Sutton CCG are encouraging local residents to make sure they stay well over the coming months by getting the flu jab.

“Flu is a very infectious disease with symptoms that can come on very quickly, and is most prevalent during the colder months” explains Dr Mark Wells, local GP and Clinical lead for Urgent Care and Acute Contracts.

“Flu is much worse than a cold, and can be particularly serious for certain groups of people. Those over 65 years of age, young children, pregnant woman and those with long term conditions, such as heart disease or respiratory illnesses are particularly vulnerable. Flu can sometimes develop into more serious conditions, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, or it can make existing conditions worse.

“There are a number of ways you can protect yourself against flu; one of the most effective is to make sure you get your free flu jab from your GP if you are particularly vulnerable.”

We all have to carry on doing every day activities, such as going to work, school and shopping, so it’s impossible to completely avoid exposing ourselves to diseases such as flu. However, by making sure you get the flu jab, you can increase your resistance to the disease and the ability to fight back.

Who is eligible for a free flu jab?

Talk to your GP about a flu jab if you:

are pregnant;
have a long-term condition;
have had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA);
are seriously overweight;
are a carer of an older or disabled person;
live in a residential or nursing home;
are over 65 years of age.
You should also ensure your child is vaccinated against flu if they are under five years of age. Flu can be horrible for little children, and if they get it, they can spread it around the whole family. Don’t put it off; ask your GP about the free flu vaccine today.

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