Top health experts from across Yorkshire and the Humber region have joined forces to urge people to get their free seasonal flu jab this winter.
Although Christmas is finished for another year, the flu season is far from over. But it’s not too late to get the free seasonal flu jab, containing a vaccine to protect against the latest flu strains, which this year include swine flu and influenza B.
Geoffrey Barnes, acting director of public health in North East Lincolnshire, said: “The number of people who have received flu vaccinations in our over-65 population and among those under 65 who are at risk of complications from flu is much lower than we would want or expect this winter.
“Now the bank holidays are over, I urge pregnant women, people who are aged over 65, and those who are in at-risk groups such as those with chronic conditions including heart and kidney disease, asthma and diabetes, to make an appointment with their doctor as soon as possible.
“For most healthy people, flu remains an unpleasant but mild illness and generally they will recover in a few days after getting lots of rest, drinking plenty of fluids and using over-the-counter remedies such as paracetamol.”
Even if people have already had a flu jab in previous years, they will need another one this year. This is because the viruses that cause flu are always changing.
Paul Johnstone, NHS Yorkshire and the Humber regional director of public health said: “Vaccination numbers are down this year and directors of public health from across the region are committed to doing all they can to help people in at risk groups to understand how important it is to get their free jab.
“People in at risk groups are more likely to develop complications if they catch flu, and the seasonal flu jab will not only protect them, it will also protect their families and the people around them.”
In the fight against flu, all frontline health staff are also being advised to have the jab.
Chris Welsh, medical director, and David Thompson, chief nurse, at NHS Yorkshire and the Humber said: “As well as the public, we encourage all frontline health staff to protect themselves and their patients from infection and have their flu jab.”