THE staff at Holsworthy Medical Centre administered around 750 influenza [flu], 65 pneumonia and several shingles vaccinations on Saturday, September 30, but the practice manager says there is still ‘some way to go yet’.

NHS flu vaccines have been administered at clinics on Saturday’s throughout September.

Jane Wells, practice manager at Holsworthy Medical Centre, said: “We have given out over 1,000 jabs so far but normally administer around 2,500 to 3,000 so we have got some way to go yet.

“Although the Saturday flu clinics have finished people can still come into the practice, even if they are seeing a doctor for something else, and receive a vaccination. We will try to administer it then — we are pretty flexible with when we can give out the vaccinations.”

Ms Wells said it is not too late to get a vaccination and is encourages people to book an appointment. She said: “It is important that people get these jabs, especially with the recent outbreak of flu in New Zealand and Australia — we really want to avoid something similar happening here. There was someone in the surgery the other day who asked if it was true the vaccination only lasts for four months. I told them that isn’t true, they actually last a lifetime, although you do need to come back every year to be vaccinated against different strains.

“It is also important for those over 65 to get the pneumonia jab and those aged between 70 and 79 to receive the shingles jab. It is important to note that although the shingles jab may not prevent it does reduce the risk of post neuropathic pain.”