Flu jab call for most vulnerable

A campaign urging over-65s and children with health problems to get the flu vaccination has been launched by the government.

The annual flu jab is available free of charge to those aged over 65, care-home residents and those who suffer from diseases such as diabetes, heart or kidney disease and asthma. It is also available to children over six months, who suffer from asthma, diabetes or a weakened immune system.

However, last year, 30% of those aged over 65 and half of those children deemed at serious risk did not get vaccinated.

Launching the campaign, Chief Medical Officer Liam Donaldson said: “There is a big difference between a cold and flu – thousands of deaths are linked to flu every year. Flu tends to last for up to two weeks, giving you fevers, chills, extreme fatigue and aching muscles, as well as the more cold-like symptoms of sore throats and runny noses.

“If you are 65 years or older, or you suffer from illnesses such as asthma, diabetes or serious heart or kidney disease you are particularly at risk from flu. For those most at risk, flu can lead to more serious illnesses, including bronchitis or pneumonia and could result in hospitalisation or, in the most serious cases, death.

“If your child is already suffering from any of these illnesses then catching flu can be serious. Your child may not be able to fight off flu as effectively as other children and it could also make their existing condition worse.

“People and children at risk from the effects of flu need to get a flu jab every year. It only takes a minute to get the flu jab, but this will protect you, your child or grandchild for 12 months. This is why you should contact your GP and make an appointment to get your free annual flu jab.”

Flu is highly infectious – a sneeze can carry the flu virus and, travelling at 80 miles per hour, reach distances of up to 30 feet away. Touching objects such as toys that have been coughed or sneezed on can also pass it on.

It is estimated that several thousands deaths are attributable to the complications of flu and around 10 – 15% of the population develop flu each year.

However, those people who have a serious allergy to hens’ eggs of those who have had a previously serious allergic reaction to the flu vaccine should not receive the flu jab.

(KMcA/SP)