As our immunisers continue to do a sterling job making sure colleagues stay safe, this week we're focussing on some of the long-standing myths that fly around more quickly than the flu virus itself!

With more than a third of colleagues vaccinated we've made a great start in keeping colleagues and patients safe this winter. We still need more colleagues to have their vaccination, including our consultants who play a vital role in our patient's care.

At our recent Theatres Action Week Staff Nurse Rachel Shine gave the vaccination to doctor R Kandasamy (pictured), so he's covered.....but are YOU?

So hit me with the myths….

“Healthy people don’t get seasonal flu..."

The reason that free flu jabs are offered to colleagues is because anyone can pick up the virus. Generally, between 15–20 per cent of the population gets flu each year – healthy people included!

If you can catch flu, you can pass it on to those who are at more risk of serious illness, even if you do not have symptoms yourself!

"The side effects of the vaccination are really bad..."

For the most part, side effects of the seasonal flu vaccination are really mild or often non-existent. You may experience a slight soreness around the site of the injection and occasionally some aching of muscles or a slightly raised temperature. These symptons are much less serious than the flu.

"The flu jab can give you the flu..."

It is impossible, let’s repeat that…..impossible to get flu from having the flu jab. This is because the vaccine doesn’t contain any live viruses. Side effects similar to flu symptoms may occur, but this is simply your immune system responding to the vaccine, or merely coincidence.

“I had the flu jab earlier this year so I don’t need it yet…”

You won't be protected against the new strains of flu that are circulating this year. So please join our fight against the flu and have your jab.

"The flu jab isn’t safe..."

The risk of having a serious (anaphylactic) reaction to the seasonal flu vaccine is less than one in a million - much less than the risk of getting seriously ill from having the flu itself.

The only people who should not have the vaccine are those who have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of seasonal flu vaccine or to any part of the vaccine. If you have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to hens’ eggs, you may still be able to be vaccinated, but under specialist clinical supervision and have an egg-free flu vaccine.

Click here to see our latest list of drop-in sessions planned for the coming weeks.