The seasonal flu vaccination programme has begun and people who are eligible are being urged to take up the offer of getting the jab.
The free flu vaccine offers protection against a number of viruses which are expected to circulate this winter. As it takes approximately two weeks following vaccination to develop protection against flu, it is important to get vaccinated early.
Seasonal flu can be a serious illness, particularly for those in the “at risk” groups. It can result in a stay in hospital, or even death so it is essential for people to receive the latest vaccine and to receive it well in advance of any outbreak.
That’s why it’s important everyone with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, or those who are immunosuppressed or suffer from chronic conditions such as lung, heart, kidney or neurological disease are vaccinated.
If eligible, you should receive a letter or phone call from your GP surgery. If you have any queries, you should contact your GP directly.
Flu vaccine clinics have already started and everyone should aim to have the vaccine by mid-November. If you wait until flu starts circulating, it may be too late for the vaccine to help protect you.
People in ‘at risk’ groups include:
• anyone over 65 years old – even if they feel fit and healthy
• children who have previously been admitted to hospital with a chest infection
• carers (who are the main carer for an elderly or person with a disability)
• people who live in a residential or nursing home
• people with certain neurological conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or hereditary and degenerative diseases of the central nervous system or muscles
Also in the ‘at risk’ group are children and adults who suffer from any of the following:
• chronic heart conditions
• chronic chest conditions, for example asthma
• chronic liver disease
• chronic kidney disease
• diabetes
• lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroids or cancer therapy
• any other serious medical condition – check with your doctor if you are unsure
Even if someone in these groups has had a previous flu vaccination (including earlier this year), they should still have seasonal flu vaccine as soon as possible to make sure that they are fully protected against all flu this winter.
Pregnant women are more likely to have serious illness if they catch flu. They will be invited by their GP at all stages of pregnancy to help protect them and their unborn baby.
This year, as part of the new childhood flu programme, healthy children aged two and three and primary six children will also be vaccinated.
Health and Social Care staff are also urged to get vaccinated, to help protect themselves, their families and those they care for.
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