Have you had your flu jab yet?
Despite Christmas being long gone, there is still time to grab your free flu jab if you are one of the qualifying groups.
The weather may soon be turning for the warmer, but flu is still prevalent. It is very important that those at risk have their annual flu jabs. The flu virus evolves and the annual vaccines are designed to cope with this.
There has been a definite decrease in flu sufferer numbers in the area this year, as well as across the United Kingdom – owed mainly to those who have taken up their free vaccine. This year’s vaccine is very effective against the prevalent strains, which are particularly affectibng pregnant ladies, children and those with long term health conditions such as respiratory diseases, Parkinsons and diabetes.
Flu is nasty and can leave you feeling weak and very ill. In some cases it can be life threatening if it develops into harsher illnesses.
Together, the council and the NHS are also highlighting the importance of other at risk groups taking up the free annual flu vaccination.
People who can get the flu vaccine free of charge include:
- people aged 65 or over
- people or children who have an underlying health condition
- pregnant women
- carers of elderly or disabled people
- children aged 2, 3 or 4 via a painless nasal flu vaccine (school children in years 1 and 2 will be eligible to receive the free nasal spray vaccine in school)
