With temperatures dropping as we go into October why not be prepared and go and get your flu jab?

Flu is an unpredictable virus that can cause mild or unpleasant illness in most people. It can cause severe illness and even death among vulnerable groups including older people, pregnant women, and people with an underlying health condition.

Over time, protection from the injected flu vaccine gradually decreases and flu strains often change. So new flu vaccines are produced each year which is why people are advised to have the flu jab and need it every year too.

The flu vaccination is important because:

• while flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life threatening for some people, particularly those with certain health conditions
• more people are likely to get flu this winter as fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the COVID-19 pandemic
• if you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, research shows you’re more likely to be seriously ill. By getting the flu vaccine, you reduce the risk of becoming a burden on the already overstretched NHS.

Some people in the higher risk categories get the immunisation free via the NHS. For others the jab is widely available through local pharmacies or local GPs.

There is also evidence to suggest that the flu jab can reduce your risk of having a stroke.

Some people may be eligible for both the flu and the COVID-19 booster vaccines.  If you are offered both vaccines, it’s safe to have them at the same time.

Where to get the flu vaccine

You can have the NHS flu vaccine at:

• your GP surgery
• a pharmacy offering the service – if you’re aged 18 or over
• some maternity services if you’re pregnant

Sometimes, you might be offered the flu vaccine at a hospital appointment.

As well as flu vaccinations, you should make sure all your ‘jabs’ are up to date; not only those you had as a child, but if you are planning to travel abroad.  Ask your doctor which vaccines are right for you.

As usual, CEMEX will reimburse the cost of the vaccination for those that are not entitled to a free jab.

All that employees have to do is provide their Line Manager with an itemised receipt and they will arrange for you to be reimbursed the cost of up to a maximum of £20.

Note for Managers: Requests for reimbursement should be sent to the HR Admin team on ‘gb-hrcentraladmin@cemex.com’ with a copy of the receipt advising approval for the named individual.