01 October 2004
If I have asthma should I have a flu jab this winter? Will I be contacted by my GPs surgery if I do?

Response
Yes, all asthmatics should be immunised against flu.

The Department of Health also recommends flu immunisation for certain groups of people who are more vulnerable to the complications of influenza. These include the over 65's, anyone suffering from chronic respiratory disorders including asthma, other chronic illnesses such as diabetes, kidney problems or heart disease, those whose immune systems are compromised by illness or drugs combating certain illnesses eg chemotherapy and anyone in a long stay residential home.

Your practice may have a system in place where they would notify you, but it would be worth ringing them to check. There has been a delay in the supply of the vaccine this year, so you should definitely check whether the vaccine has arrived.