Reminder that it’s not too late to vaccinate
Shropshire residents are being reminded that there’s still time to get their flu vaccination.
With more cold weather predicted, Shropshire Council’s Public Health Team are urging people to contact their GP or pharmacist* if they think they, or someone they care for, might qualify for a free flu jab.
If you’re unsure to whether you are eligible for a free flu jab, vaccinations are available free of charge for those who:
- are aged 65 or older
- are aged two, three or four years old
- are pregnant
- have a serious medical condition such as chronic heart, lung,
- neurological, liver or kidney disease, or diabetes
- have a weakened immune system due to HIV or treatments that supress
- the immune system such as chemotherapy
- have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or post-polio
- syndrome
- are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care
- facility (not prison or university halls)
- are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare maybe at risk if you fall ill.
If you don’t qualify, but work with people who could be susceptible to catching flu, then you can still get a Flu Jab for a small cost from your local pharmacy.
Councillor Karen Calder Cabinet Member for Public Health and Member for Shropshire’s Health and Well-being board said;
“Many residents may not be aware they’re eligible for the flu vaccine or they may think they just don’t need it as they feel healthy and well. Flu vaccines don’t just protect you from catching flu but also help prevent you placing other vulnerable people at risk so please think carefully about having the flu vaccine.”
NHS England have produced an interactive leaflet for those who are unsure whether they qualify for a free flu jab or what type of vaccine they need. To find out more click here https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/318806/phe-who-gets-which-vaccine-06.pdf
A general flu leaflet and leaflets for pregnant women and children, are also available to download at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-flu-vaccination-winter-2014-to-2015 and
For more information and advice on how to lead healthier lifestyles visit www.healthyshropshire.co.uk.
For information about Health and Well-being in Shropshire and the work of Shropshire’s Health and Well-being board visit http://www.shropshiretogether.org.uk/
Further information
*In addition to GP clinics, flu vaccinations will be offered free of charge in pharmacies to people in the following ‘at risk’ groups:
- All patients aged 65 years and over
- Chronic respiratory disease aged 18 years and over
- Chronic heart disease aged 18 years and over
- Chronic kidney disease aged 18 years and over
- Chronic liver disease aged 18 years and over
- Chronic neurological disease aged 18 years and over
- Diabetes aged 18 years and over
- Immunosuppression aged 18 years and over
- Asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen
- Pregnant women aged 18 years and over.
The new way of offering NHS flu vaccinations is part of a scheme being run by NHS England in Shropshire and Staffordshire.
To find out which pharmacist in your area is now offering the free NHS flu vaccinations for at risk-groups click here.
