People from across Great Yarmouth and Waveney who are at risk of complications from seasonal flu have been urged to protect themselves and their families by having the flu jab.
NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is reminding anyone who falls into an “at risk” group to book an appointment at their GP surgery to have the free vaccination. This includes pregnant women, people aged over 65, frontline health workers and people suffering from a variety of long-term conditions.
The vaccine changes every year to reflect the most dominant strains of flu currently in circulation, which means that even people who had a jab last winter should make sure they do so again this year.
Cath Gorman, director of quality and safety with the CCG, 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.”
People eligible for the flu jab are:
- those aged 65 and over
- pregnant women
- those 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
- someone who has:
- 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
- diabetes
- a weakened immune system due to conditions, such as HIV or AIDs, or treatments that suppress the immune system, such as chemotherapy
Anyone who thinks they may be eligible for the jab can check directly with their surgery.
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