Have you arranged your flu jab this winter?
Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group are encouraging ‘at risk’ patients to take up your free flu vaccination in order to stay well this winter.
The flu jab is free on the NHS for people in priority groups, including anyone aged 65 and over, pregnant women, children aged two to nine years and people with long-term health conditions.
People in long-stay residential homes, carers and healthcare staff are also eligible for the free vaccination this year.
Flu is a highly infectious disease and while it can be extremely unpleasant for most healthy people, for those with underlying health conditions it can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability and even death.
The illness is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory system, where they can lead to pneumonia and other complications. The viruses are constantly changing and this is one of the main reasons why people should be vaccinated annually.
The best way to avoid getting the flu is by having the vaccination. Doing so reduces the risk of developing the illness significantly.
If you’re in one of the higher risk groups, flu can seriously affect your health and that’s why I am encouraging all patients who are eligible to get their free flu jab as soon as possible.
Groups eligible for the free vaccine this year are:
- All children aged two to nine (but not ten years or older) on 31 August 2018
- Pregnant women
- Those aged 65 years and over (including those becoming 65 by 31 March 19)
- Those in long-stay residential care homes
- Carers
- Healthcare workers
- Social care workers
- People with learning disabilities and their carers
- Those aged six months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups, including patients with chronic (long term) respiratory disease, such as severe asthma; chronic heart disease; diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
For more information about your free flu jab you can visit the Clinical Commissioning Group website or ask your GP
