Flu vaccinations information

25/10/2012


1. Flu kills

For the majority of people who catch it flu is unpleasant, but for some it can lead to chest infections, severe complications and death. Globally seasonal flu accounts for about three to five million causes of severe illness annually and between 250,000 and 500,000 deaths.

2. The vaccine is one of the safest in the world

Seasonal flu vaccine is given to millions of people in each year. The specific strains of flu that are included may change from one year to the next but vaccines are still thoroughly tested and are safe.

3. The flu jab cannot give you flu

 It is impossible to get flu from having the flu jab because the vaccine doesn’t contain live viruses. A very small number of people experience side effects such as aching muscles, but this is simply the immune system responding to the vaccine.

Vaccination isn’t just about keeping yourself safe, it’s about protecting your colleagues, your family and your friends. You can carry and pass the virus on to others without having any symptoms yourself, so even if you consider yourself healthy, you might be risking the lives of others.

4. You need the vaccine every year

If you were vaccinated last year you helped to fight the flu epidemic, and you also helped to protect your friends and colleagues.  However, you won’t be protected against the new strains of flu circulating this year and therefore need the vaccine annually.

5. Vaccination works

The World Health Organization cites clean water and vaccination as the two interventions that have the greatest impact on public health – vaccination works. Trivalent seasonal influenza vaccines generally give 60–80 per cent protection against infection.

6. Pregnant women can be vaccinated

Pregnant women can have the flu vaccination at any stage of their pregnancy. Having the vaccination when pregnant is beneficial and helps protect the baby from flu over the first few months of life.

                                                                                                                   

SO WHY WAIT BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE FLU VACCINATION TODAY.....