With the flu season approaching, St John Ambulance is offering FREE flu vaccinations for all employees and volunteers at Bush Court on Tuesday 9 May and Monday 15 May.

The Department of Health recommends that you have a flu vaccination annually as the Influenza virus constantly changes. Participation is voluntary.

Before receiving the vaccine, make sure you tell your doctor or nurse if you (or your child):

* Are unwell

* Have allergies to any other medications or substances

* Have had a serious reaction to any vaccine

* Have had a severe allergy to anything

* Have had a severe allery reaction to eggs - the virus used in the vaccine is grown in eggs

* Have had Guillain-Barré syndrome.

The influenza vaccine can cause a range of side effects, including:

* Drowsiness or tiredness

* Muscle aches

* Localised pain, redness and swelling at the injection site

* An injection site lump that may last many weeks but needs no treatment

* Low grade temperature.

If the side effect following immunisation is unexpected, persistent or severe, or if you are worried about yourself or your child’s condition after a vaccination, see your doctor or immunisation nurse as soon as possible.