Government moves to dismiss misconceptions over flu jab

The government is seeking to address misconceptions that receiving an influenza vaccination involves exposure to a live flu virus.

In an effort to further highlight the benefits of receiving a flu jab, the Department of Health has moved to refute the incorrect belief that receiving the injection gives people the flu, an idea shared by 58 percent of respondents to a recent poll.

Chief medical officer Professor Dame Sally Davies said this is "categorically" not true, highlighting instead the necessity of patients in at-risk groups – such as those with existing medical conditions, the elderly or pregnant women – getting vaccinated.

She noted that people in these categories are 11 times more likely to die from influenza then healthy patients, while reminding those concerned that they can receive free vaccinations under the NHS if they are at risk.

"If you haven't been called for a flu jab and are in an at risk group, it's time to contact your GP to make an appointment," said Dame Sally.

The annual seasonal flu vaccination programme commenced in October 2011, with the aim of cutting mortality rates from influenza down from 602 last year.