This year there will be no reminder letters sent out from the Local Authority for Flu vaccination.

If you are aged over 65 or are at risk then please telephone the surgery and speak to the receptionist who will book an appointment for you with the practice nurse. 

Flu vaccination by injection, commonly known as the "flu jab" is available every year on the NHS to protect adults (and some children) at risk of flu and its complications.

Flu can be unpleasant, but if you are otherwise healthy it will usually clear up on its own within a week.

However, flu can be more severe in certain people, such as:

• 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

The nasal spray flu vaccine

The flu vaccine for children is given as a single dose of nasal spray squirted up each nostril. Not only is it needle-free (a big advantage for children), the nasal spray works even better than the injected flu vaccine with fewer side effects.

It’s quick and painless and will mean your child is less likely to become ill if they come into contact with the flu virus.

The nasal spray flu vaccine is also for children aged two to 18 who are "at risk" from flu, such as children with long-term health conditions. Some of these children will be offered two doses of the vaccine.

The injectable flu vaccine will continue to be offered to those aged 65 and over, pregnant women, carers and adults and babies (aged six months to two years) with a long-term medical condition.