When can I have the flu vaccination
We have now planned our flu vaccination clinics. Please note that these ARE NOT drop in clinics. You MUST BOOK AN APPOINTMENT.
We are updating and reviewing our clinic availability daily so dates are changing regularly. For the most recent dates please click https://www.parkwaymedicalcentre.com/news/
What is influenza?
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is caused by a virus which spreads easily from person to person through infected droplets in the air and by hands carrying the virus.
The flu virus infects your nose, throat and sometimes your lungs. It differs from a cold as symptoms such as fever, sore throat and muscle aches develop suddenly and last about a week. In some cases severe illness and complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis can develop resulting in hospitalisation and/or death.
Flu can also make some underlying medical conditions worse. There is a need to get vaccinated every year because the viruses circulating in the community continually change and immunity from the vaccine does not last a long time.
Am I entitled to a flu vaccination?
You should be entitled to having a flu vaccination if:
- you’re 65 or over
- you’re pregnant
- you have a serious medical condition (Full details)
- you live in a residential or nursing home
- you’re the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill
- you or your child (over 6 months) is in a risk group
Find out more about who should have the flu vaccine.
I received a flu shot last year, do I still need to get one this year?
Yes. Immunity decreases over time and vaccination is needed each year to ensure you continue to be protected. Vaccination is recommended in autumn to allow time for immunity to be strengthened before the flu season starts.
Each year, the flu vaccine will protect against the three strains of flu virus which are most likely to circulate over the winter period. It is important to get it again this year.
Even if you received a flu vaccination towards the end of the last flu season, you should still be vaccinated again before this flu season.
