SOMERSET NEWS: People at risk are urged to get the flu jab

SOMERSET NEWS: People at risk are urged to get the flu jab

PEOPLE who are in one of the “at risk” categories for flu are being urged to arrange their free flu vaccination now by contacting their GP surgery – it’s free because they need it.

Anyone with a long term condition, even one that is well managed, and women who are pregnant, are at greater risk of severe complications if they catch the flu. The flu vaccination is the one of the most effective ways to reduce harm from flu.

In Somerset last year 72.5% of people aged 65 and over; 51.3% people aged six months to under 65 in ‘at risk’ groups; 35.1% all pregnant women; 45.3% all two year olds; 42.0 % all three year olds had the flu vaccination.

In 2014-2015 the following people are eligible for the flu vaccination:

• Pregnant women.SOMERSET NEWS: People at risk are urged to get the flu jab
• Those aged 65 or over.
• Those aged 6 months to under 65 in clinical risk groups (with a long term health condition).
• All children aged from two to four.
• Those in long-stay residential care homes.
• Carers.

Chairman of the Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board at Somerset County Council, Cllr Christine Lawrence, said: “Don’t put off getting the flu vaccination. If you are eligible get it now. It’s free because you need it.”

Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group chairman, Dr Matthew Dolman, said: “If you are over 65, or have a long-term health condition like, diabetes, chronic lung or heart disease or if you are expecting a baby, it is vital to get your flu vaccination.

“It will offer protection to you at the time of year when you are most vulnerable. Flu is not just a bad cold. Whilst you have it, it will knock you completely and utterly. But worse than that, it can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, or can make existing conditions worse.

“In the worst cases, the flu can result in a stay in hospital, and it can even be a killer. I urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated against flu, as I will be doing.”

NHS Choices has full information visit www.nhs.uk/flu2014

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