Seasonal Flu Vaccination Brief

Over the next few weeks thousands of Merseyside residents will receive a flu vaccination reminder letter from their GP inviting them to receive their free jab.

A free seasonal flu vaccine is offered every autumn to people who are more at risk of serious illness or death from flu – people of any age with underlying health conditions, all pregnant women and everyone aged 65 and over.

To receive your vaccination, please make an appointment with your GP Surgery.

Even if you feel healthy, you should have the free seasonal flu jab if you have:

• a heart problem
• a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including bronchitis or emphysema
• a kidney disease
• lowered immunity due to disease or treatment
• a liver disease
• had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
• diabetes
• a neurological condition
• a problem with your spleen

The flu jab is also recommended if you are:

• pregnant
• aged 65 years or over
• living in a residential or nursing home
• the main carer of an older or disabled person
• a frontline health or social care worker

The flu jab is recommended for all pregnant women at any stage in pregnancy to protect themselves and their unborn babies against flu, which can cause serious illness for expectant mums and be dangerous for unborn babies. For more information about flu and vaccinations available go to www.nhs.uk, or visit your GP.