With Flu on the rise, it’s not too late to vaccinate

Health teams across Shropshire are reminding people it’s not too late to get a free flu jab if they’re in an ‘at risk’ group.

The call out comes following recent figures released by Public Health England which show that there have been 74 outbreaks of flu reported in England in the first week of January 2016 alone, indicating it’s at its highest level for three years.

Flu is a very unpleasant illness. It’s not serious if you are otherwise healthy, but if you have underlying health issues, such as respiratory disease, diabetes, heart disease or a weakened immune system you could become seriously ill. Each winter hundreds of thousands of people see their GP because of flu and tens of thousands end up hospitalised.

The best way to protect yourself from flu is to have the flu jab every year as the vaccine protects against the different strains of flu which evolve each year. It’s offered free to those over 65; pregnant women; and those with long term conditions, plus those that care for them. Children between the ages of two and four have also been offered the vaccination, as well as those in school years one and two.

Karen Calder, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health and well-being, and Chair of Shropshire’s Health and Well-being board, said:

“The flu virus can be really nasty. It’s not like a common cold that you can normally shake off on a few days. And for those with a long term conditions, the risks of catching it can be very serious, as they could develop further complications and take longer to recover. In some instances it can be life threatening.

“The flu vaccine is therefore one of the most effective ways to reduce harm from flu. So if you’ve had a letter from you GP to get your free flu jab, please take up the offer. It’s free because you need it.”

The Public Health weekly report also indicates uptake for flu vaccinations are down compared to last year, therefore putting a significant proportion of population is at risk of catching flu.

Dr Irfan Ghani, Shropshire Council’s consultant in public health medicine, added:

“We know from what GP practices have told us that not enough people with long-term conditions such as heart or lung problems, diabetes, or who have their immune systems compromised have had the flu jab. It’s the same for pregnant women where it offers protection to both mum-to-be and their unborn baby.

“If you are in one of these groups, or know someone in one of these groups, please encourage them to have the vaccination now that the virus is circulating.”

Vaccines are only available for a short time, so don’t put it off. It takes up to three weeks after having the jab for your body to have built up immunity. Speak to your pharmacy now.

Carers that receive a paid carers allowance can also ask for a free flu jab.

If you think you’re eligible for the free jab contact your GP practice to see if they’re still offering it; if not, most pharmacies will give you the injection and let your GP practice know you’ve had it.

So, it’s easier than ever to get yourself protected, particularly if you struggle to fit appointments around work schedules or other commitments. To find out which pharmacy is offering flu jabs in your area visit www.nhs.uk/staywell.

For advice and information on how to stay safe and well this winter visit: http://shropshire.gov.uk/stay-safe-and-well-this-winter/.

Further information

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/weekly-national-flu-reports.