'˜You can't catch flu from a flu jab'

You cannot catch flu from a flu jab, medics at Blackpool Victoria Hospital have today insisted.
Occupational health sister Kerrie Chesters, and clinical admin assistant Caroline SpenceOccupational health sister Kerrie Chesters, and clinical admin assistant Caroline Spence
Occupational health sister Kerrie Chesters, and clinical admin assistant Caroline Spence

The staff that administer the potentially life-saving jabs spoke out ahead of flu season, and as vaccinations are being offered to those most at risk.

Sister Kerrie Chesters said: “We see a lot of people who have heard bad things about the flu jab but we can set people’s minds at rest.

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People often worry that they will get flu from the jab but this is impossible. It’s not a live vaccine – it has no live components.

“The worst thing people can get is an aching arm.

“When people do have symptoms it’s due to something other than the jab. They may already have picked up a virus.”

Staff at the trust running the hospital are being offered flu jabs in a bid to protect both them and patients over the winter.

And Kerrie said she thinks it’s the staff’s ‘duty’ to have the vaccine.

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She added: “You can carry the virus and not have any symptoms but then pass it on to patients.

“Being vaccinated means you can protect yourself, your family and anyone who is poorly or immune suppressed.

“For example, we have a lot of cancer patients and their immune system can drop and they can pick up anything that’s going around.”

While staff can attend drop-in jab sessions, readers should contact their GP.

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