‘Protect yourself and your family from flu’
People in South Tyneside at risk from flu – including the parents of two, three and four -year-old children – are being urged to take up the offer of a free flu vaccination from West View Surgery.
We are appealing to all the vulnerable groups to protect themselves this winter by getting vaccinated.
A nasal spray vaccine will be offered to healthy two, three and four -year-old children in a bid to slow down the spread of the virus.
This marks the first step in an extension to the national flu vaccination programme, which will eventually include yearly vaccination of all 2-16 year olds.
Dr Matthew Walmsley, Chair of South Tyneside CCG said:
‘For the majority of people, flu is an unpleasant, but not life-threatening illness. However, it can be very serious for older people and those groups at risk of developing complications.
‘They include those with weakened immune systems as well as underlying conditions such as neurological disorders, liver, lung or renal disease, heart problems or diabetes and pregnant women.
‘Vaccination remains the best way to protect against the potential serious harm from flu this winter. I urge everyone entitled to a free vaccine, to take up the offer – especially the parents of young children who qualify.’
A national advertising campaign is underweay to encourage take-up of the vaccine.
Nationally almost 800 people were admitted to intensive care with complications of flu last year. Each winter hundreds of thousands of people see their GP and tens of thousands are admitted to hospital.
Dr Walmsley continued: ‘Severe winter flu and its complications can make people really ill and can kill.
‘You are eleven times more likely to die from flu if you are in a clinical at risk group. I urge everyone who is eligible, to get the vaccine and help protect themselves and their families this winter.’
The flu vaccine changes every year to fight the latest strains of flu, so even if you had a vaccine last winter you need another one this year to stay safe from flu.
Simply contact us to arrange a convenient appointment and get you or your child vaccinated. It’s quick, safe and free for those at risk from the virus and for young children.
FACT BOX
People who need the free flu vaccination include:
People aged 65 years or over
- All pregnant women (including those women who become pregnant during the flu season).
- All healthy two, three and four year olds
- Adults and children over two with a serious medical condition such as
- Long term severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchitis
- Long-term heart disease, such as heart failure
- Long term kidney disease and liver disease
- Long term neurological disease, such as Parkinson’s disease or motor neurone disease
- Diabetes
- A weakened immune system due to disease (such as HIV/AIDS) or treatment (such as cancer treatment)
- People living in long stay residential care homes
- People who are in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill
As part of a pilot programme, all primary school aged children in some areas are also being offered the vaccination this year.
Don’t wait until there is a flu outbreak this winter: contact us now to get your seasonal flu vaccination.