Don’t miss out on your flu jab, say doctors

For most of us flu is a tiring and unpleasant illness, but for older people, young children, pregnant women and those with health conditions it can lead to serious complications.

Having a flu vaccination – given as a nasal spray for children – is a quick and easy way to reduce your risk of catching flu this winter.

People eligible for a free flu vaccination from their GP are:

• Pregnant women;

• Anyone aged 65-plus;

• Children aged 2-4;

• People with various long-term conditions;

• People who have had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA);

• People who have lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment);

• Carers who look after family members or friends.

Hertfordshire GP Dr Richard Pile, said: “If you are generally in good health, flu will make you feel quite unwell for around a week, but if you have an existing medical condition, or are vulnerable to catching flu, it can be a nasty experience and lead to complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

“If you are in one of the ‘at-risk’ categories, don’t wait for your GP to contact you; get in touch with your practice now and arrange to have your vaccination.”

See below for a list of flu clinics already planned by local GP practices.

You will be able to walk-in to some of these, while for others you’ll need to call in advance to book an appointment or you will be contacted by your surgery.

If your practice isn’t listed, please call your surgery to find out when their flu vaccination clinics are.

> Bennetts End Surgery, Hemel: Saturday, October 10; Saturday, October 17; Saturday, October 24; Saturday, October 31 – all from 8am to 12.30pm. Call 01442 263511 to book.

> Boxmoor Surgery, Hemel: Tuesday, October 27 from 8.45am to 11.30am. Patients are invited to attend by letter.

> Boxwell Road Surgery, Berkhamsted: Saturday, October 10; Saturday, October 24 and Saturday, November 7, all from 9am to 11.45am. Call 01442 863119. Appointments for over 65s and those with long-term conditions only.

> Coleridge House Medical Centre, Hemel: Tuesday, October 13 and Tuesday, October 20, both from 9.30am to 1.30pm. Call 01442 234220 to book.

> Everest House Surgery, Hemel: Saturday, October 10 and Saturday, October 24, both 8am to 12pm. Call 01442 500164 to book.

> Fernville Surgery, Hemel: Saturday, October 10; Saturday, October 17; Saturday, November 7 and Saturday, November 21, all from 8.30am to 2.30pm. Call 01442 213919 to book.

> Gadebridge Surgery, Hemel: Saturday, October 28 from 8.45am to 11.30am. Patients are invited to attend by letter.

> Haverfield Surgery, Kings Langley: Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 25, both from 8.39am to 12.30pm. Patients are invited to attend by letter.

> Lincoln House Surgery, Apsley: Saturday, November 7 from 9am to 11,30am. Call 01442 254366 to book.

> Milton House Surgery, Berkhamsted: Saturday, October 10; Saturday, October 31 and Saturday, November 14, all from 8.45am to 11.30am. Registered patients can walk in – no need to book in advance.

> The Nap Surgery, Bovingdon: Saturday, October 17 from 8.30am to 12.30pm and Friday, October 30, from 2pm to 4.30pm. Registered patients can walk in – no need to book in advance.

> Parkwood Surgery, Hemel: Saturday, October 10 from 9am to 11.45am. Patients are invited to attend by letter.