NHS BOSSES URGE LOCALS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM FLU
NHS BOSSES URGE LOCALS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM FLU
Posted: September 27, 2011
Vulnerable people in Cumbria are being urged to get the flu jab this year.
Last winter, 232 more deaths happened than expected in the county.
Over-65s; those with chronic illness; and pregnant women are all entitled to the vaccine on the NHS.
Everyone aged over 65 qualifies for a flu jab as well anyone aged over six months in the following at risk clinical groups:
- People with a heart problem
- People with a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including bronchitis and emphysema
- People with kidney disease
- People with lowered immunity due to disease of treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment)
- People with a liver disease
- People that have had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
- People with diabetes
- People with a neurologic condition such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
- People that have a problem with their spleen or who have had their spleen removed
- Pregnant women
Carers are also eligible for the seasonal flu vaccination so that they stay healthy to continue to help those they look after.
Dr Nigel Calvert is NHS Cumbria’s Associate Director of Public Health. He said: “If you’re over 65 or if you suffer from a chronic illness or long-term condition then developing flu can be very nasty and may lead to complications such as pneumonia which can put your life at risk. Every year different strains of flu circulate in the community and the seasonal flu vaccine is specially developed to protect against these.
“Last year was a particularly bad winter and there was lots of flu around, so it’s important that everyone is prepared this year and gets the vaccine as soon as possible.
“So the best advice is, if you fall into one of these categories, call your GP Practice which will begin running its vaccination clinics very soon and make an appointment to get your seasonal flu injection as it’s the best way to protect yourself.”
