Have you had the flu jab?

Influenza is a serious viral infection which can cause major complications or even death in vulnerable groups. The most effective way to prevent influenza and its spread is vaccination which requires good vaccination coverage of vulnerable groups and health professionals in contact with these patient groups. However, current data show that vaccine uptake levels are slightly lower this year than at the same time last year (Department of Health, 2010). Less than half of those aged 65 years and over and just over a quarter of those in risk groups have been vaccinated, which is worrying if we wish to prevent avoidable illness and hospital admissions arising from complications.