Protect yourself from flu.

Look after your own health, and protect the NHS, by getting vaccinated if you’re eligible.

Worcester Racecourse Flu Clinic

We at Severn Valley Medical Practice are working with GP surgeries across the city to make flu jabs easier to access in 2021. From September, Worcester City Primary Care Network will be opening a flu vaccination centre at Worcester Racecourse, which eligible patients will be invited to attend. Getting your flu jab here will ensure vaccine allocated for patients doesn’t go to waste, and means we’re able to keep your records up-to-date ahead of any further Covid-19 vaccinations you may need to receive – so please wait to be contacted by us to book your flu jab.

The latest information on our vaccination campaigns and frequently asked questions can be found at www.worcestercity-pcn.co.uk/flu and on Facebook @worcestercitypcn

What is flu?

Influenza or flu is a viral infection that usually strikes between December and March. It can affect people of all ages.

The first signs are a headache, sore throat and a runny nose, aching muscles, fever and shivering. Flu makes you feel completely exhausted and this extreme fatigue may last for two to three weeks.

You can catch flu by inhaling the virus or by handling items touched by an infected person. The symptoms start to develop one to four days later.

Why should I be concerned about flu?

Most people who get the flu recover after a week or two, but some develop life-threatening complications such as pneumonia, nerve or brain damage.

You are more likely to be at risk from the complications of flu if you are in one of the 'at risk groups' and your body is already weakened.

How can I avoid getting flu?

The best way to avoid getting flu is to have a jab during the autumn- usually between October and November - each year. The Flu vaccination is free of charge for people in 'at risk' groups.

You need to have a jab each year to main your immunity, as the flu virus is always changing. The jab will not stop you getting coughs and colds, but can protect you against the lastest strain of flu.

You may have a temporary slight soreness at the injection site. A few people get slight fever, this this is short-lived.

As the vaccine is made from chicken eggs, you should not have a flu jab if you are allergic to eggs, chicken protein or if you have had a previous allergic reaction to a flu jab.

The flu vaccine does not cause flu.