Vulnerable residents urged to get ‘flu jab’

Dr Chris Duffy, Chairman of NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group, has his flu jab

Vulnerable residents are being to protect themselves against flu this winter.

Free 'flu jabs' are being offered to people with underlying health conditions such as heart disease or asthma. They are also being offered to carers, pregnant women, children aged two to four-years-old and in school years one and two as well as those aged 65 and over.

For most healthy people flu is unpleasant but will usually clear up on its own within a week. However, in some people flu can be more severe and cause serious complications such as pneumonia.

The quick and simple flu vaccination will help reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation and even death amongst those most at risk. There is even a quick and painless nasal spray vaccination available for children.

Andrea Fallon, Director of Public Health at Rochdale Borough Council, said: "It's very important that those most at risk from the effects of flu are protected as flu can pose a serious risk to health in those with certain conditions. The best way to do this is to get vaccinated - which is available free of charge. Even if you feel fit and healthy now, it's better to be safe than sorry so book an appointment with your GP or local pharmacy as soon as possible."

The 'flu jab' changes every year to fight the latest strains of flu, so people need to get a new jab each year for protection.

Health and social care workers should also make sure they are vaccinated to protect themselves, their patients and their families.

Councillor Janet Emsley, Rochdale Borough Council Cabinet Member for culture, health and wellbeing, said: "Every year hundreds of people fall ill with flu and this is highly preventable. I would like to encourage our residents to protect themselves and the people they love this year by booking their free flu jab as soon as possible.

She added: "You can get your vaccination from your local GP or pharmacy. They are also available from midwives if you are pregnant."

Dr Chris Duffy, Chairman of NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from catching flu and I would urge everyone who is offered the vaccine free on the NHS to get vaccinated now before flu starts to circulate in the community.

"It's important we do what we can to help others stay well. The elderly are the largest group admitted to hospital in the winter and can be slow to seek help. This is a golden opportunity for us to look out for our neighbours and ensure they get any help they need.

"Also, if you have children aged two, three or four, or in school years one and two, make sure you take up their free flu vaccination – it's a quick, effective and painless nasal spray that remains the best way to help you and your family stay well this winter."