With the flu season approaching it is time for eligible patients to get their vaccinations. This year, as part of the Stay Well This Winter campaign, vaccinations
Unique ID: NHS_SNEEZE_ 62
Caption: A woman in a blue jacket sneezing into a handkerchief. Catch it, bin it, kill it. A good practise, using a tissue to contain the germs and deal with the sneeze. Infection control.
Restrictions:
Copyright: ©
in England are being extended and will now be available to children in school year three.
Once again NHS Hull Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is keen to encourage eligible people to get the vaccination, particularly those who are most at risk from flu.
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.
Sarah Smyth, Director of Quality and Clinical Governance/Executive Nurse, said: “Seasonal flu is a highly infectious virus. While many people recover from it quickly, the flu can cause complications for some.
“Prevention through vaccination is still our best weapon in the battle against the spread of flu. That’s why it is so important to protect ourselves and the people around us by getting vaccinated.
“If you’re over 65, have a long term medical condition, are living in a nursing home or if you are the main carer for an older or disabled person, then it’s essential for you to get your vaccination. We also encourage pregnant women to get the vaccine. Your body will naturally pass on its antibodies, helping to protect your child.
“The big news this year is that flu vaccinations are being offered to more children. If your child is aged two, three or four or is at school in years 1, 2 or 3, then they can have a free, painless vaccination in the form of a nasal spray.
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-, three- and four-year-old children
- all children in school years 1, 2 and 3
- all primary school-aged children in some parts of the country
- 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
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.
To find out more about flu vaccinations or the Stay Well This Winter campaign visit: https://www.nhs.uk/staywell/
