FREE FLU VACCINE TO PROTECT THOSE IN BRIGG AT HIGHER RISK

From the North Lincolnshire CCG Communications Team 

Many of us are aware of the risks to older people of catching flu during the winter. However, flu can hit younger people too and if they are living with an on-going health problem, it can lead to more than an unpleasant spell of being unwell.
Flu can lead to serious complications for people with long term health conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes or breathing problems such as asthma. Even if a patient is managing their condition well, flu has the potential to make them really ill and even cause serious on-going problems with their existing condition.
Dr James Mbugua, on behalf of the North Lincolnshire CCG explained, “For someone with a long term condition, flu can cause serious health problems. People might be managing their condition well and feel good, but flu provides a greater risk to those with underlying health concerns and we urge these people to protect themselves and others with similar conditions by getting the free flu vaccine from their GP.”
The free flu vaccine is offered by GPs and pharmacists and is the best protection available against the unpredictable nature of the seasonal flu virus. Having the vaccination is particularly important for those vulnerable groups who are more at risk from the effects of flu, these include people aged 65 and over, pregnant women and those with long term health conditions.
Flu can also be a horrible for little children and if they get it, they can spread it around the whole family and often put other people at risk. Some children may even develop a very high fever or complications from flu, such bronchitis or pneumonia and may need hospital treatment. For children aged 2, 3 and 4, the flu vaccine is a simple nasal spray and not an injection.
If you are eligible for the flu vaccination, please visit your GP or ask your pharmacist or midwife and don’t put it off.  It is vital that those people who are eligible, have it every year, as the vaccine protects against different strains of flu which can change and/or evolve each year.
To find out more about the symptoms of flu and how to get the vaccine, visit
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/Pages/Introduction.aspx


People eligible for the flu vaccination:

• Those aged 65 and over
• People aged 6 months to 65 with the following conditions:
• (long-term) respiratory disease, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchitis
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• chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
• chronic kidney disease
• chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
• chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease or motor neurone disease
• diabetes
• People who are carers for someone at home
• Pregnant women
• All 2,3 and 4 year-olds
• School-aged children in pilot (through schools)
• Those in long-stay residential care homes
• Those who work with vulnerable groups like care home staff, social workers, health visitors, children centre staff, midwives, doctors and nurses (through workplace/employer).

PICTURED: The Health Place offices in Brigg - formerly Glanford Hospital, off Wrawby Road.