It’s not too late to vaccinate
Shropshire County PCT and NHS Telford and Wrekin are highlighting that there could be an increase in flu cases. Those at risk of getting serious complications from flu will be more vulnerable if they haven’t yet had the flu immunisation.
Each winter the free flu immunisation is offered to people in ‘at risk’ groups. These include everyone aged 65 and over, children and adults under 65 with certain medical conditions, and all pregnant women.
But, whilst the majority of older people in Shropshire, and Telford and Wrekin, have now received their flu immunisation, there are still many under 65s with long-term conditions, such as heart or breathing problems, and pregnant women who have yet to have theirs.
By the end of November 2012, around 70% of people in Shropshire, and Telford and Wrekin, who are 65 or over had had the immunisation. However, only about one in two people in at risk groups, who are under 65 or pregnant, had received the free flu immunisation.
Dr John Reid, NHS Telford and Wrekin’s Consultant in Public Health, said:
“Despite the efforts of local GPs, some patients have not come forward. Flu is much more serious than getting a cold, and the effects of seasonal flu are often underestimated. Some people are more at risk from flu and need the immunisation, because they are not able to fight off flu as easily as others. For these people, flu can often result in more serious complications which require hospital treatment. It can even be fatal in some cases.
“We would like to encourage people aged 65 and over who have not had their free flu immunisation to book their appointment as soon as possible. Although nearly 70% of over 65s have had their free flu immunisation, this still means that 30% are unprotected. It is vital to boost your immunity each year.
“For those under age 65 with eligible chronic medical conditions, or who are pregnant, we would still emphasise the importance of getting immunised as soon as possible.”
Dr Irfan Ghani, Shropshire County PCT’s Consultant in Public Health, said:
“Flu can be prevented by having the immunisation, which is provided free at GP surgeries for those people most at risk. We are reminding people that they should not underestimate flu. Although cases of flu have been lower recently, people should not risk their health. Each year the NHS sees people admitted to hospital or, in very serious cases, dying from flu. Don’t start 2013 with flu – if you are eligible, book your free flu jab today.
“It is important that anyone who is eligible for a free flu jab books their appointment without delay. In particular, I would like to stress that it is not only people who are 65 and over who are eligible; pregnant women, carers and people with long term health conditions are also eligible.”
If you think you may be eligible for the free flu immunisation, call your GP surgery as soon as possible and book an appointment.
For more information on the flu immunisation, visit www.shropshire.nhs.uk or www.telford.nhs.uk.
