Battle against infection

Rochdale residents are being encouraged to make sure they are protected from bacterial infections that can follow flu.

The infection known as pneumococcal disease can affect the lungs, causing pneumonia, or cause infections including meningitis, bacteraemia, sinusitis or middle ear infection.

All those aged 65 and over, children ages two months to two years and anyone with an at risk condition are particularly being encouraged to get immunised.

Dr Sheila Will, Director of Public Health at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale said: “At risk patients should receive their pneumococcal vaccination every five years and many will receive it with their seasonal flu jab.

“We want to make sure that everyone who is at risk gets immunised against pneumococcal disease, as secondary bacterial infections, like pneumonia, are a frequent cause of death following Influenza.”

Talk to your local GP, nurse or pharmacist for more information, or contact the Immunisation Lead at NHS HMR on 0161 655 7454.