The Importance of Getting the Flu Jab

Based on the Video by Dr Guy Rooney.

There seems to be so much nonsense spoken and circulated on social media in the form of vaccination conspiracies that I thought it would be a good idea to share the advice of Dr Guy Rooney Medical Director at the Great Western Hospital on the importance of getting your flu jab.

He was one of the first people to have his flu vaccination at the Great Western Hospital. Dr Guy Rooney has encouraged doctors and medical professionals treating patients to have their flu vaccine as it protects both the medical professional and their patients.

Dr Rooney points out that one in four people who work at the Great Western Hospital will get flu before the end of the year a remarkably high number. He also highlighted the gravity of flu and that some patients can get seriously ill from flu ending up in intensive care.

Flu does not discriminate, it's not just something that happens only to someone else or men, so get the flu vaccine to protect yourself, your patients and your family. The video shows Dr Rooney receiving the jab, he only winced slightly as the needle went into his arm, but smiled afterwards.

So if you have any doubt about getting the flu vaccine this year, remember that by protecting yourself from flu you will potentially be freeing up a hospital bed for a Covid 19 patient.

It's not too late to get the Flu Vaccine

I'd like to remind you that it is not too late to get a flu vaccine. If you are over the age of 50 you are probably eligible for a free flu vaccination. Vaccination is available from both GP Practices as well as your Community Pharmacy.

To find more details of how to locate your nearest participating pharmacy along with their opening hours you can visit:

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

Why do I need a flu vaccination?

It's important that you get vaccinated to protect you from catching flu and prevent it spreading among your family, friends and community. With COVID-19 in circulation it is more important than ever to reduce the number of people becoming ill with flu this winter to help protect them and the NHS.

Flu is a virus that can spread easily from one person to another, even if you don't have symptoms. While most people will recover withing a week, flu can cause severe illness and death for some people. On average, 11,000 people in England die from flu each year and thousands more are hospitalised.

Visiting a Vaccination Service

Vaccination services in your area will have a range of measures in place to keep you safe from COVID-19. These include regular cleaning and disinfecting, and social distancing in waiting areas. Staff giving the vaccine will be wearing protective equipment. Appointment times may be scheduled to reduce numbers in the waiting area, or you may be asked not to arrive early.

What do I need to do now?

If you havn't done so already, make an appointment at a community pharmacy or with your general practitioner to get vaccinated. You will need to bring along your letter of invitation to your appointment as it may be needed. If you have already made an appointment or you have already had a flu vaccination, there is no need to do anything else.