Flu Vaccinations

Flu (also known as influenza) is a highly infectious illness caused by the flu virus. It spreads rapidly through small droplets coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person. For most people, the flu is unpleasant but not serious. You will usually recover within a week.

Flu vaccination is one of the best ways to protect against catching and spreading flu. Protection starts around two weeks after having the vaccine.

Flu viruses are constantly changing. Each year flu vaccines are changed to match the flu viruses likely to be circulating.

Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective. You might still get the flu, but your symptoms are likely to be milder. Flu vaccines do not protect against colds, other respiratory viruses, or other winter illnesses.

We do recommend you book early for your annual flu jab so that you are covered for the whole winter. We also recommend you get the flu jab with us because we know your full medical history and can record it properly.

The flu vaccine is being offered on the NHS to people who:

• are 50 and over
• are pregnant
• are in long-stay residential care
• receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
• live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
• frontline health or social care workers

Although no medical procedure is totally free of risk, flu vaccines are generally very safe. The most common reaction to the jab is a sore arm, or you may feel hot for a day or two after the vaccination.

For more information on the flu vaccine please go to https://phw.nhs.wales/services-and-teams/beat-flu/

To request an appointment please complete an online form through our website, or SurgeryApp.