As the clocks turn back this Sunday, 29th October and we head towards winter, I would like to urge my readers to consider getting the flu jab. Although it’s not possible to know which strains of flu will circulate each winter, the flu vaccination is still the best protection against an unpredictable virus.
Flu and flu like symptoms are very unpredictable and extremely unpleasant and on a basic level severely disrupt day to day living. It can also cause severe complications like pneumonia or bronchitis for those with underlying health conditions, and in some cases it can even lead to death.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people see their GP with flu-like symptoms and tens of thousands are hospitalised because of flu. In south east Essex 115,000 people are in at-risk groups. These include children between six months and two years, over 65’s, pregnant women, any person with a long term health problem, caregivers, or if you live with someone vulnerable with a weakened immune system.
It is important to note that the flu vaccination is available for free to at risk groups’ through the national health service, yet only 57% of the eligible individuals went for their vaccination last year, putting a greater risk to others and greater burden on our national health service.
If you are eligible for the free flu vaccination, I can’t stress enough the importance on acting on your letter from your GP and get the jab – please don’t ignore it. Having a flu jab will protect you and others.
Should you not have received a letter and in some instances a text from your GP, or if you believe you are eligible for the jab but haven’t received an invite to make an appointment, please do contact your GP practice. Please note that you can also have this jab at done at your local pharmacy, I will be getting mine done next week.
For more information visit www. nhs.uk/staywell
Please don’t wait too long as it could make all the difference.
As ever, if you wish to contact me regarding any issues that you feel I can assist with, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01702 616 135 or email me at [email protected]