At risk groups urged to have their jab - NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney - iceni Post News from the North folk & South folk

Health & Wellbeing / Waveney Valley October 5, 2011

People from across Norfolk and Waveney who are at risk of complications from seasonal flu have been urged to make sure they have their flu jab.

NHS Norfolk and NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney are reminding anyone who falls into an “at risk” group to book an appointment at their GP surgery to have the free vaccination.

The vaccine changes annually to reflect the most dominant strains of flu currently in circulation, which means even people who had a jab last winter should make sure they do so again this year.

Dr Jenny Harries, Director of Public Health for NHS Norfolk and Great Yarmouth and Waveney, said: “We’re reminding everyone who has received a letter from their GP inviting them to have the jab to book an appointment. Flu can be a very serious illness, especially for those in at risk groups, and can kill.

“The best way to protect yourself is to have the vaccine. It will only take five minutes, and might just save your life.

“We know that there are still people at risk of developing severe symptoms from flu who are putting their health at serious risk by not taking up the opportunity of vaccination. We would urge them to take advantage of the opportunity.”

Those at risk who are eligible for the vaccination include pregnant women, all people over the age of 65, and those under 65 who suffer from long term illnesses such as heart or chest diseases or diabetes.

Typically, fewer than half those under 65 in at risk groups take advantage of the free jab, leaving thousands vulnerable.

Anyone who is eligible for the flu jab should have been contacted by their GP surgery. Anyone who thinks they may be eligible but has not received a letter should check with their surgery direct.

Notes:

1. Last year nationally, 602 people died with flu. Of the 587 deaths with information on age, 70% (415) were in young and middle aged people aged 15-64 years.

2. Those eligible for the flu jab are:

* people 65 years of age or over

* pregnant women in any stage of pregnancy

* people living in a residential or nursing home

* a main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if they fall ill

* a frontline health or social care worker

Or who have one of the following conditions:

* chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma, COPD or bronchitis

* chronic heart disease

* chronic kidney disease

* chronic liver disease

* chronic neurological disease, such as stroke, TIA, polio syndrome