North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus is reminding people aged 65 and over and people of any age with a serious medical condition living in North East Lincolnshire, to make an appointment to have their annual flu jab.
Seasonal flu occurs every year, usually in the winter. It is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. The most likely viruses that will cause flu each year are identified in advance and vaccines are then produced that closely match them.
The H1N1 virus that caused the swine flu pandemic last year will still be around this winter, so this year’s seasonal flu vaccine will include a vaccine to protect against this virus.
Older people, those aged over six months in a clinical risk group and individuals living in residential or nursing homes are entitled to a free seasonal flu jab as well as people who are the main carer for an older person or someone with a disability.
Pregnant women are being offered the flu vaccination this year. This is because the H1N1 virus (swine flu) will still be circulating this winter and pregnant women who catch this strain are at an increased risk of severe disease and flu-related hospital admissions. However, women who have already had the swine flu vaccination do not need the seasonal flu vaccination. Pregnant women in clinical risk groups are also offered the seasonal flu vaccine.
People who are entitled to the free jab are being urged to make an appointment with their GP surgery. The vaccine protects those in the ‘at risk’ groups against seasonal flu, which can have serious implications.
Geoff Barnes, acting director of public health, said: “Anyone can get seasonal flu but it is more serious for older people and those with serious medical conditions. Flu is much more severe than a cold. It can lead to complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia and may be life threatening for people who are already ill.
“Immunising carers is also important as it helps keep them healthy and protects the person they are caring for from the risk of flu.
“Most people recover from flu within a week or two but for some people it can be more serious and sadly potentially fatal.”
Health and social care workers in North East Lincolnshire are also encouraged to have the vaccination. By having the jab healthcare workers will be protecting themselves, their families and their patients against the flu.
People are urged to make an appointment with their GP surgery to make sure they get their jab before the flu season begins.
For more information residents should contact their local GP practice.