Have you had your flu jab?

PEOPLE who are eligible for a free flu vaccination are being urged not to delay and to contact their GP surgery as soon as possible.

Those who can receive a free jab include people over 65, adults and children with health conditions (for example heart disease, asthma or other respiratory conditions), pregnant women and carers.

You can receive your vaccination either at your GP surgery and some local pharmacists also offer the service.

Cllr David Roche, Rotherham council’s advisory cabinet member for adult social care said: “If you qualify for a free flu jab, it’s really important to take up the offer as soon as possible.

“This is the time of year when the virus starts to circulate in the community and with the weather turning colder, it’s vital for people to look after themselves and others.”

Parents of children aged 2 to 4 years-old are also reminded that their youngsters are eligible to receive the nasal spray against flu.

Teresa Roche, director of public health at RMBC, said that unlike other medication for long term conditions, the flu jab is an annual one-off vaccine.

She said: “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.

“The flu jab can’t give you the flu because the vaccine doesn’t contain the live viruses.

“A very small number of people experience side effects such as aching muscles, but this is simply the immune system responding to the vaccine.

“So please take the time to look after yourself as well as your loved ones and get flu safe by contacting your GP surgery to see if you are eligible for a free flu jab.”