The purpose of the seasonal flu vaccination programme is to protect those most at risk of developing influenza associated morbidity and mortality.
Influenza is a highly infectious, acute viral respiratory tract infection which has a usual incubation period of 1 to 3 days. Patients can experience sudden onset of symptoms such as dry cough, headache, fever and extreme fatigue. For otherwise healthy individuals, it is an unpleasant but usually self-limiting disease with recovery occurring within 2 to 7 days.
More serious illness may occur in children under 5 years, pregnant women, those aged over 65 years and those with underlying health conditions. These groups are at higher risk of developing severe complications such as bronchitis, secondary bacterial pneumonia, or otitis media in children.
Seasonal flu vaccination is a critically important public health intervention that reduces morbidity, mortality, hospitalisation. We have attached relevant leaflets for your information, please see below: