Now is the time to get your flu jab

Doctors from the Mansfield and Ashfield Clinical Commissioning Group are encouraging people aged over 65, pregnant women and those with health conditions such as severe asthma, heart complaints and diabetes, to book an appointment for a jab with their GP.

The flu vaccine changes every year to fight the latest strains of flu so even if you had a jab last winter you need another one this year to stay flu safe.

Dr Raian Sheikh said: “Flu can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and can make existing conditions much worse.

“We’re already getting people through our clinics for the flu jab, which is great, but we need people to ask those most at risk - have you had your flu jab?”

The best time to be vaccinated is at the start of the flu season from October to early November and the jab doesn’t contain the ‘live’ virus so it cannot give you the flu.

The NHS in England is launching a Flu Safe campaign to remind people they should get a flu jab. Flu Safe is a national message that also aims to dispel the myths around the vaccine.

Dr Mark Jefford, clinical lead for the Newark and Sherwood Clinical Commissioning Group said: “The NHS does all it can to prepare for flu each year but we must not be complacent or let our guard down because it is unpredictable.

“For those who are healthy flu can be an unpleasant but usually self-limiting disease with recovery generally within a week.

“It is those who are vulnerable, the very old, the very young and those with underlying illnesses that need to get protected. I would urge people to get in touch with their GP if they are in that category.”