People with Diabetes urged to get flu jab

Health officials in Shropshire are urging those with Diabetes and other underlying health conditions to protect themselves and get their seasonal flu vaccination as soon as possible.

Current immunisation figures issued by central government show that half of the under 65s with underlying health conditions have not received their vaccination.

In light of these figures, health workers from both Shropshire Council and Shropshire’s Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are urging those with Diabetes to take up their offer of the free flu vaccinations.

Flu jab clinics are now well underway in GP surgeries, and Diabetics are among the priority groups for the free vaccine.

People with either type 1 or type 2 Diabetes are at increased risk of developing serious flu-related complications.  When a person with Diabetes gets sick with the flu, it may be difficult to maintain their regular diet or medication regimen, which can both lead to changes in blood glucose levels.  This can leave people with Diabetes open to many serious health problems, including complications of flu such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

Shropshire Councillor Steve Charmley took up his offer of a free flu jab recently at a local clinic.   Steve, who was diagnosed with Diabetes in 1988, said:

“As I Diabetic I know the importance of having my annual flu jab.  If you have an underlying health condition, getting the flu can make existing conditions worse and could lead to more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

“I really urge those who haven’t already been invited for a free flu jab to contact your GP surgery to arrange a convenient appointment and get your jab.  It’s quick, safe, and free for those most at risk from the virus.”

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

“I can’t stress enough that you should never underestimate the effects of flu.  Getting the flu is not like having a cold; flu can seriously affect your health, and the risks of developing complications are far greater if you have Diabetes.

“It’s great to see my colleague Steve taking up his free flu vaccine.  I hope many others follow suite and get immunised as soon as possible.”

For more information, speak to your GP or local pharmacist or visit www.nhs.uk/flu.  It’s not too late to get your flu jab.

For further information on how to keep well this winter, visit Shropshire Council’s Get Ready for Winter website at http://shropshire.gov.uk/get-ready-for-winter/ 

Further information 

A flu vaccine is available free on the NHS for:

• people aged 65 years or over (including those becoming age 65 years by 31 March 2013).
• all pregnant women (including those women who become pregnant during the flu season).
• children aged 2-3, who are eligible for a free nasal flu vaccination
• people with a serious medical condition such as: chronic (long-term) respiratory disease, such as severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchitis; chronic heart disease, such as heart failure; chronic kidney disease at stage 3, 4 or 5; chronic liver disease; chronic neurological disease, such as Parkinson’s disease or motor neurone disease; Diabetes; a weakened immune system due to disease (such as HIV/AIDS) or treatment (such as cancer treatment)
• people living in long stay residential care homes or other long-stay care facilities where rapid spread is likely to follow introduction of infection and cause high morbidity and mortality.  This does not include, for instance, prisons, young offender institutions, or university halls of residence.
• people who are in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.

Despite popular belief, the flu vaccine cannot give you flu as it doesn’t contain the active virus needed to do this.

The flu vaccine is available from October each year.  If you think you need it, talk to your GP or practice nurse.

For more information on who should have the flu vaccine and how to get it, read the sections on the flu jab for adults, the flu jab for pregnant women and the children’s flu vaccine.