With temperatures dropping as we go further 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 advised to have the flu jab need it every year too.

So now is the time of year when people are advised to have a vaccination jab to help protect from or reduce the symptoms of flu. 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 GP’s. As usual, CEMEX will reimburse the cost of the vaccination for those that are not entitled to a free jab. All 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.

Flu jab side effects

Serious side effects of the injected flu vaccine are very rare. You may have a mild fever and aching muscles for a couple of days after having the jab, and your arm may be a bit sore where you were injected.

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

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.

Please display the Health Essential Poster and brief your teams in the importance of keeping vaccinations up to date.

Note for Managers: Requests for reimbursement should be sent to the HR Admin team at Stockton using the form available on the SHIFT Health Community.