Local MP, Maggie Throup, is urging all residents to protect themselves from the risk of flu by getting a flu jab from their local GP Practice or Pharmacy.
In preparation for winter, 25 million people are being offered the flu vaccine for free, in the biggest winter vaccination campaign the NHS has seen.
Maggie’s call comes as 1,700 deaths last year were linked to flu and the NHS was only able to vaccinate less than half of those in some of the key target groups.
Those eligible for the vaccine on the NHS this coming winter include:
- those aged 65 and over
- those aged 6 months to 64 with a long-term health condition
- children aged 2 to 3 (on 31 August 2019)
- school children in years reception, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
- pregnant women
- health and social care workers
- carers
If you are eligible for the NHS flu jab, you should book an appointment with your local GP or pop into your local Pharmacy to receive the vaccine.
Speaking about the vaccine, Maggie said:
“Getting flu can be bad enough for even the fittest of us, but for older people and those with long-term conditions in particular it can cause serious health problems.
“Some people think flu is like the common cold, but it can be a really serious illness and can be deadly for those most vulnerable. Getting the vaccine only takes a few minutes and will protect you against a number of different strands of flu for around a year.
“I’d therefore urge all those eligible residents across Erewash – including all care home staff - to speak to your GP or local pharmacist and get your vaccination booked in before the cold weather sets in.
“I took the opportunity to get my flu jab at Peak Pharmacy in Sawley and received a very friendly and almost pain-free service.”
More information on eligibility for the flu jab, and other tips on staying well this winter, can be found at www.nhs.uk/staywell.