Flu Immunisation

Department of Health urges people most at risk to get the flu jab

Several thousand people can die each year from the effects of flu and it’s not just the over 65s who are at risk.

People entitled to a free jab include:

People aged 65 or over
Anyone over the age of 6 months who has serious respiratory, heart, liver or renal disease
Diabetics
Anyone with lowered immunity as a result of disease or treatment

Encouragingly, more than 75% of people aged 65 or over were immunised last year. The hope is that this year a greater number of the at risk under 65s will follow suit and join them. Just under half of the estimated three million in this group requested a flu jab in 2005.

GP, medical writer and broadcaster, Dr Mark Porter, says: “It’s not just the over 65s who need to get the flu jab. If you, or your child, have lowered immunity, asthma, diabetes, chronic heart, chest or kidney complaints then you should contact your local GP and book a free flu jab. Flu is an unpleasant experience for all of us, but for those at risk it can lead to more serious complications, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, which often require hospitalisation.”

Colin Day, Chief Officer says “Patients who are either in need of a transplant, or whose immune system is lowered as a result of being on immunosuppression post transplant, are at increased risk from catching the flu virus and from its effects. That is why Transplants in Mind is pleased to support the campaign to encourage those at increased risk to become immunised”

The vaccination only takes a minute and is safe, effective and free for those who are at risk. The flu jab lasts for up to 12 months and, as the virus constantly mutates, a new jab is needed each year.

To find out about getting a flu jab talk to your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist, visit NHS Direct or NHS go to NHS Direct Interactive on digital satellite TV, or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

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