Ask the Surgery - Your Medical Questions Answered

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Flu Vaccinations questions

I am considered to be in the 'risk category' for flu and therefore entitled to the flu vaccination. With all the negative press last year about the vaccination I am concerned about having it this year, what is the difference with this year’s vaccination and is it safe?[Click to show/hide answer]
The flu vaccination this year has the same strains as last year and this includes the H1N1 strain otherwise known as the swine flu (the big scare in 2009). It is important that at risk people do have the jab as they are more at risk of getting complications if they do get the flu such as pneumonia and may be fatal.

The side effects of having the jab are usually minor and also minimised by the nurse or GP asking you health related questions before giving it. She / He will only give it if satisfied that you are well enough to have it. No medical procedure is totally free of risk, flu vaccines are generally very safe. The most common reaction to the jab is a sore arm, or you may feel hot for a day or two after the vaccination. This is easily treated by Paracetamol. It is not the flu but a reaction to the injection.

I am diabetic and definitely have the flu jab every year and have been free of flu since I have been having it.
Answered by: Dr. Azra Parvez, GP and GP Trainer - Parkside Medical Centre