Flu immunisation campaign

Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust (HMRPCT) have begun their annual flu immunisation campaign.

The objective of the campaign is to reinforce the importance and seriousness of getting a flu jab for anyone in an ‘at risk’ group.

Flu symptoms can hit suddenly and severely and often include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles as well as a cough and sore muscles. Colds are less severe usually starting gradually with a sore throat and stuffy or runny nose.

It is hoped the campaign will encourage the uptake of the flu vaccine, particularly amongst those groups of people who are considered to be most vulnerable such as young children, people with asthma, heart and liver disease or those aged 65 years or above. 

Amongst those having the flu jab is 10-year-old Alex Hannay, from Bamford, who has diabetes, and his grandmother Eileen, 69, from Middleton.

Sheila Will, Director of Public Health, said: “Most healthy people are able to shake off the effects of flu within a couple of days. However, it’s important that we get the message across that flu can be serious, particularly if you belong to an ‘at risk’ group. The flu virus constantly changes so it’s important that people make sure they get another flu jab each year.”

People wishing to receive the flu jab are advised to contact their local GP to make an appointment. 

The flu vaccination is safe, effective and is free of charge to everyone aged 65 and over as well as those in younger ‘at risk’ groups. There is no active virus in a flu vaccine so it cannot cause flu.