10/12/2013 - Permalink

Look behind Flu! – panto team backs Shropshire’s flu campaign

Related topics: Community / Health

Stars from Theatre Severn’s Sleeping Beauty took time out to help support Shropshire’s flu campaign following a dress rehearsal.

BBC Radio Shropshire’s Eric Smith, along with Britain’s funniest dame Brad Fitt and comedian Adam Moss, were happy to pose for a ‘Flu Jab’ photo, to help encourage those to take up their free flu vaccine.

With panto and Christmas season now here, Shropshire Council’s public health team are urging those at most risk such as pregnant women, people living with a health condition such as severe asthma, chest or heart complaints, and those aged 65 and over, to take up their free flu jab.

Eric Smith, who aptly plays King Eric, recently had his flu vaccine.  He said:

“As someone who is always on the go, I really can’t afford the risk of getting the flu.  Having recently had my flu jab, I must admit it was quick, painless and no fuss at all.  So please, if you haven’t yet had your flu jab, go and get it, otherwise you could just end up like sleeping beauty and be bed-bound this Christmas.”

Karen Calder, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health, added:

“It’s great and really encouraging to see the cast of Sleeping Beauty supporting Shropshire’s flu campaign.  Flu can knock even the healthiest people off their feet, but for some people it can be really serious, even fatal.  We’re urging all those who are eligible to book a vaccination appointment in the next couple of weeks with their GP or pharmacist so they can enjoy a happy, healthy Christmas.” 

Contact your GP surgery now to arrange a convenient appointment and get your jab.  It’s quick, safe, and free for those most at risk from the virus.

There is a wide range of information and advice, including flu vaccinations, available at Shropshire Council’s Get ready for Winter webpages, to help people prepare themselves for cold weather.  Visit http://shropshire.gov.uk/get-ready-for-winter/

Following the success of last year’s smash hit, Jack and the Beanstalk, this year’s spectacular family pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, is set to be another huge success.  To book tickets call 01743 281281.

Further information

For further information about flu vaccination, including who should have it, visit http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pages/who-should-have-flu-vaccine.aspx

You can also find out more about protecting your child against flu on the NHS Choices website at http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/child-flu-vaccine.aspx

Main groups eligible for a free flu jab are:-

  • Over 65s
  • Pregnant women
  • People who have a long term health condition, eg diabetes, those with a weakened immune system (eg HIV or cancer patients), heart disease, chronic respiratory disease (eg severe asthma, COPD, bronchitis), kidney disease, liver disease, chronic neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, and people in long stay residential homes
  • Children who are two years old and three years old as of 1 September 2013
  • Health and social care workers
  • Carers – people who are in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an older person or person with disabilities, whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.  By getting the flu jab, carers also reduce the chance of them transmitting flu to the person they care for.