It is that time of year when you might be considering going to get your flu jab, as the colder months approach and the flu season returns. The vaccine helps protect against flu which can be a serious or life- threatening illness, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.
Most adults who are eligible have been able to receive their flu jab from the 3rd of October, but, if you’re still undecided, below are just a few reasons to and get yours:
If you are over 65 getting your flu vaccination is a very important way to help protect your health during the winter. This service is offered to over 65s for free, so we highly urge you to pop down to your GP surgery or a pharmacy near you that offers this service.
Benefits of receiving the Flu Jab:
One benefit of getting your flu vaccination is to prevent serious post-flu complications such as pneumonia, which can be life threatening, bronchitis and other respiratory infections. The vaccine can also prevent the worsening of chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes, significantly lowering the chance of developing further complications from pre-existing conditions, helping you to stay healthier throughout the winter months.
Another positive to the flu vaccination is that it reduces the burden on healthcare systems. Elderly adults are more likely to need medical care if they contract the flu. However, getting the flu jab can reduce the chance of the elderly needing emergency medical treatment, helping to relieve the strain on healthcare providers.
Finally, as you age your immune system becomes less effective. This makes it harder for those over 65 to fight off infections. The flu vaccination helps the immune system recognise and combat the flu virus more effectively, providing an extra layer of defence. Without vaccination, older adults are at a much higher risk of experiencing more severe symptoms or prolonged illness when exposed to the flu virus.
These three benefits of the flu jab are just something for you to consider, but there are many more reasons to get yours this autumn.
Where to get your Flu Vaccine?
As mentioned previously GPs and pharmacies are now a few weeks into rolling out the flu jab. It takes up to 14 days for the vaccine to take effect, with this in mind you want to get yours done as early as possible.
Visit the NHS website to read more about the flu vaccine and consider getting yours if you haven’t already done so. https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/
