03/12/2014 - Permalink

People with medical conditions urged to get their free flu vaccine

Related topics: Health / Partner organisations

People with underlying medical conditions are being urged to take up their free flu vaccine to prevent them from the serious effects of flu.

Although flu uptake figures* released last week show those under 65 with long-term health conditions in Shropshire are slightly up from last year’s (38.9%, compared to 37.3% in 2013/14), a significant number of people who can benefit from the vaccine are still not protected against flu.

The flu vaccine is available free of charge for people with underlying health conditions, as well as for those aged 65 and over, pregnant women and young children from 2 to 4 years old.

Shropshire residents between 18 and 64 years old, who are at risk of developing more serious illnesses if they get flu, can now for the first time get their free NHS flu jab in participating pharmacies as well as from their usual GP practice.  At risk groups include those who have:

  • A heart problem
  • A chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including bronchitis or emphysema
  • A kidney disease
  • Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment)
  • Liver disease
  • Had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack
  • Diabetes.

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

“If you’re someone who has an underlying health condition, it’s just not worth the risk of not getting your flu jab.

“With Christmas on the horizon, probably the last thing on people’s minds would be getting themselves vaccinated for flu.  The new pharmacy scheme offers a convenient alternative to having to book an appointment with your GP, so choosing a participating pharmacy near where you work, live or shop will, we hope, help you to fit the vaccination around your lifestyle.”

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

“People with underlying medical conditions can be more susceptible to the effects of flu.  For them it can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, or make existing conditions worse.  In the worst cases, flu can result in being admitted into hospital or even death.

“Even if you feel healthy you should still take up the free offer.  It’s there ready for you, so please don’t waste it, book an appointment with your GP or check out where your nearest pharmacist is who is offering the flu vaccine.”

For more information about the flu vaccine click here.

To find out which pharmacist in your area is now offering the free NHS flu vaccinations for at risk-groups click here.

Flu vaccinations are just one service offered by your local pharmacy.  You can get expert, confidential advice and treatment for many minor health complaints from your local pharmacist, as well as information and support to help you start a healthier lifestyle.

Further information on flu vaccine is available from www.healthyshropshire.co.uk.

Further information

*current uptake figure for flu are from 1 September to 31 October 2014, released by Public Health England.

Shropshire and Telford residents in at-risk groups are now able to get their free NHS flu jab in pharmacies for the first time.

The new way of offering NHS flu vaccinations is part of a scheme being run by NHS England in Shropshire and Staffordshire.