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01/10/2003
Health department clears up flu jab 'misunderstandings'
Some people aged 65 years and over are not claiming their free flu vaccinations because of "serious misunderstandings", according to research published today by the Department of Health.
Published to coincide with the International Day of Older Persons 1 October, the data concluded that more than half (52%) of people aged 65 and over believed that the flu jab gives flu to the patient. However, the department of health has made it clear that the flu vaccine "is not live" and therefore cannot give flu to a patient.
Flu and flu-related illnesses are a real worry for nearly two-thirds (65%) of older people. Despite this, the survey shows that many people don't understand the life-saving benefits that the flu jab can bring.
Over 400,000 people in the UK will turn 65 this year and they are urged to take advantage of the free vaccination, alongside all over 65s and people who could be 'at risk' because they have other medical conditions.
Nearly half (48%) of the people planning to have the flu jab said their main motivation is they 'just don't want to get flu', whilst nearly a quarter (22%) claim it is because they want to stay active.
The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Liam Donaldson said: "After a series of mild winters, it is easy to be complacent about the threat of flu, but few realise that between 3,000 and 4,000 deaths are attributable to the complications of flu each year.
"Our message is a simple one - if you are aged 65 or over or in an 'at risk' group, for example if you have chronic asthma or diabetes, get your free jab and stay well this winter. Don't let these myths discourage you from being vaccinated."
Flu jab advocates include Terry Wogan, Bruce Forsyth, Nina Wadia and actress Dame Diana Rigg.
The Department of Health is also launching the Keep Warm Keep Well campaign on 1 October. The campaign aims to reduce the number of cold-related illnesses and deaths this winter.
Older people, their carers, health and social care professionals and other vulnerable people can call a special Winter Warmth Advice Line (Freephone 0800 085 7000) for practical help on staying warm and keeping healthy.
There is also a free Winter Guide available from the advice line with a range of practical tips.
(gmcg)
Published to coincide with the International Day of Older Persons 1 October, the data concluded that more than half (52%) of people aged 65 and over believed that the flu jab gives flu to the patient. However, the department of health has made it clear that the flu vaccine "is not live" and therefore cannot give flu to a patient.
Flu and flu-related illnesses are a real worry for nearly two-thirds (65%) of older people. Despite this, the survey shows that many people don't understand the life-saving benefits that the flu jab can bring.
Over 400,000 people in the UK will turn 65 this year and they are urged to take advantage of the free vaccination, alongside all over 65s and people who could be 'at risk' because they have other medical conditions.
Nearly half (48%) of the people planning to have the flu jab said their main motivation is they 'just don't want to get flu', whilst nearly a quarter (22%) claim it is because they want to stay active.
The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Liam Donaldson said: "After a series of mild winters, it is easy to be complacent about the threat of flu, but few realise that between 3,000 and 4,000 deaths are attributable to the complications of flu each year.
"Our message is a simple one - if you are aged 65 or over or in an 'at risk' group, for example if you have chronic asthma or diabetes, get your free jab and stay well this winter. Don't let these myths discourage you from being vaccinated."
Flu jab advocates include Terry Wogan, Bruce Forsyth, Nina Wadia and actress Dame Diana Rigg.
The Department of Health is also launching the Keep Warm Keep Well campaign on 1 October. The campaign aims to reduce the number of cold-related illnesses and deaths this winter.
Older people, their carers, health and social care professionals and other vulnerable people can call a special Winter Warmth Advice Line (Freephone 0800 085 7000) for practical help on staying warm and keeping healthy.
There is also a free Winter Guide available from the advice line with a range of practical tips.
(gmcg)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A scattering of wintry showers this evening, mainly dying out with clear spells. Cloud increasing again across the north later in the night with further wintry showers. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
