As colder weather approaches health leaders in Hull and the East Riding are urging eligible patients to protect themselves and their families by having their seasonal flu vaccination as part of the national campaign; Stay Well This Winter.
Seasonal flu can be very unpleasant for a healthy person, but it can be potentially life threatening for young children or anyone with a weakened immune system.
Flu is highly infectious and can lead to serious complications if you have a long-term health condition like COPD; bronchitis, emphysema; diabetes; heart, kidney or liver disease. Flu on top of health problems like these can easily develop into something very serious that could land you in hospital.
The flu vaccination is the best method we have to protect people from this unpredictable and potentially deadly virus.
This year GPs from Hull and the East Riding will feature in several short films, explaining winter health messages and urging local people to take care throughout the cold months ahead.
In the first video, available now on Youtube, Dr Dan Roper explains who should get the flu vaccination and why it’s essential. You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/Rn5IC-pc_aE
Dr Dan Roper, chair of NHS Hull Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said:
“Flu isn’t the same as a cold or winter virus. It can be very serious and lead to all kinds of complications. In fact, flu is still one of the biggest causes of death during pregnancy.
“The vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family. Children aged 2 and 3 can have the quick, painless nasal spray and for older people the vaccination is just a small jab.
“If you’re over 65, have an existing medical condition, are living in a nursing home or if you care for an older or disabled person, then you may also be eligible for the vaccine. Talk to your GP, pharmacist or midwife to book your free shot.
Gina Palumbo, chair of East Riding of Yorkshire CCG, said:
“We’re also keen to remind health professionals and carers that they are entitled to a free vaccination. Prevention is our best weapon in the battle against the spread of the Flu. ”
All of the following groups are eligible for a free vaccination. Simply speak with your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist:
- everyone aged 65 and over
- everyone under 65 years of age who has a long term medical condition (such as Asthma, COPD, etc), including children and babies over six months of age
- all pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy
- all two and three year-old children
- everyone living in a residential or nursing home
- everyone who cares for an older or disabled person
- household contacts of anyone who is immunocompromised
- all frontline health and social care workers
Gina adds:
“It is best to have the flu vaccination in the autumn before any outbreaks of flu. People are reminded that they will need it every year as the virus changes. Even if you had a vaccination last year, you may not be protected.”
The Stay Well This Winter campaign seeks to ease the pressure on the NHS by helping people to remain fit and healthy throughout the colder winter months.
Cllr Gwen Lunn, portfolio holder for Public Health, said:
“"It's absolutely crucial to get the flu vaccine if you're entitled to it. It's not just about staying well for yourself and your family, it's about the wider community and protecting those who are vulnerable.
"The flu vaccine is one of the most important ways that as communities we can ensure as many people as possible stay healthy and well through the colder months. There are a lot of myths about the vaccine, but it is entirely safe - anyone who has had flu will be aware what a truly horrible illness it is. It's really not worth taking the risk of not having it".
To find out more about flu vaccinations or the Stay Well This Winter campaign visit: www.staywellthiswinter.co.uk
