HPA North West Urges: “Protect Yourself from Flu Before Winter Sets in”

3 October 2008

As the Department of Health launches its seasonal flu jabs campaign, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West is urging everyone who is eligible for flu vaccination to take up the offer of immunisation.

Dr. Judith Chaloner, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control with the HPA's Greater Manchester Health Protection Unit, said: "If you meet the criteria for vaccination ensure that you have the protection of a flu jab. Don't take a risk with your health.

"If the flu virus starts circulating in the community we will inevitably begin to see cases, particularly in people for whom flu jabs are recommended and who do not protect themselves.

"Influenza is not a bad cold. It can be a serious illness and three to four thousand deaths are linked to it each year in the UK. People aged 65 and over are particularly at risk, even if they are otherwise healthy.

"Flu jabs are also strongly recommended for people of any age with chronic illness such as diabetes and asthma and for people living together in close proximity in residential care homes."

People are eligible for a free flu jab on the NHS if they:

• Are aged 65 or older
• Live in a long-stay residential home
• Carers of people who are elderly or infirm
• Have a history of chronic illness including heart conditions, kidney disease, chronic asthma or diabetes that requires medication.
• Have lowered immunity to infection due to HIV, steroid medication or cancer treatment

Press release issued by Hugh Lamont, Communications Manager, HPA North West. Tel. 07764-906508

Last reviewed: 3 October 2008