At-Risk residents urged to protect themselves from flu

Residents who are most at risk of developing serious complications from flu are being urged by NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale to take advantage of a free jab as the winter months approach.

The call is timed to coincide with the launch of the Department of Health’s annual flu immunisation campaign which aims to help increase the number of flu jabs taken up by those within at-risk groups.

Dr Sheila Will, Director of Public Health said: “Common colds are frequently confused with flu, but flu can be potentially life-threatening, and will generally require weeks of recovery time. Those at greater risk of developing serious complications from flu should take advantage of the flu jabs offered by their local surgery as soon as possible to protect themselves from the virus in the months to come.”

Those at-risk include adults and children who suffer from asthma, heart disease and diabetes, along with everyone aged 65 or over. Last year, only 45% of those under 65 in at-risk groups took advantage of the jab, leaving more than half vulnerable.

The Department of Health is also reminding people that the flu vaccine doesn’t contain any live virus, so it can’t cause flu. Finally, those who got the jab last year will need to get a new jab this winter, as the virus changes every year and the vaccine needs to match the latest version of the virus.