Santa urges over 65s to get their jab done before flu season gets going

“I won’t get sleighed by flu – and neither should you!”

Santa took a break from grotto duties this week to pop into Cohen’s pharmacy at Nye Bevan House in Rochdale to get his free flu jab, and make doubly sure he’s on top-form for the festive season.

As with all over 65s, Santa is eligible for a free flu vaccination, available from GP surgeries or pharmacies. People with long-term health conditions, people with a BMI of 40+ and pregnant women are also eligible. Children up to school year five can also have their vaccination free with a nasal spray at a GP surgery or through school.

Santa said: “With all of the world’s children relying on me, I couldn’t take the risk of getting flu at my busiest time of year. I’ve got grotto duties, supervising the elves and then I’ve got a fair bit to do on Christmas Eve.

“There’s no way I was going to risk getting flu and letting everyone down, so I popped in to see Mohammed Shahriyar, the pharmacist who sorted my jab.”

He added: “I was a touch apprehensive but I barely felt a thing and I feel safe in the knowledge that I won’t be coming down with a nasty flu in the next couple of weeks.”

Pharmacist, Mohammed said: “Getting flu is no joke, especially at this time of year when people are busy and have plans with the family - it’s so much worse than a bad cold. Getting it would absolutely ruin anyone’s Christmas and for certain people catching it can be really, really serious."