At-risk groups urged to be flu fighters and get vaccinated
“A five minute appointment to have the flu jab could save your life. Flu can be a serious illness – particularly for those in at risk groups. It can result in a spell in hospital, and sadly, flu can kill. The best way to protect yourself is to be vaccinated. There is no reason not to get vaccinated. It takes five to ten days for the vaccine to take effect so I’d urge everyone in an at risk group to get vaccinated as soon as they are able.”
Brendan Ryan
Medical Director
(pictured above)
People in at risk groups from flu are being urged to get vaccinated. Statistics show that 84 per cent of people questioned in the North West say they get vaccinations against tropical diseases before travelling abroad, but only half of under 65s who were advised to get the seasonal flu jab took it up last year.
This is despite the fact that seasonal flu can also be life-threatening. Last year, 602 people died with flu in the UK. 70 per cent of deaths were in young and middle aged people aged 15-64 years.
These statistics come as the seasonal flu vaccine is now available for people in at risk groups, free of charge from GPs.
It is important that people get vaccinated when they go travelling, however, it is just as important for people in at risk groups to get the flu jab. These groups should get vaccinated early in the flu season so they are protected before flu starts to circulate.
About three-quarters of older people get their flu vaccine each year, but only around half of younger people in at risk groups get vaccinated. Seasonal flu is not the same as getting a cold - it can seriously affect your health.
Those who can get the flu jab free of charge on the NHS include:
• pregnant women;
• anyone with a long term condition including diabetes, asthma, liver disease, kidney disease or heart or chest problems;
• people undergoing medical treatment who may have a compromised immune system;
• people with a neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy; and
• everyone aged 65 or over.