Winter flu jabs now available

HEALTH chiefs in Warrington are making their annual autumn plea to pensioners and other “at risk” groups: Get the free flu jab.
The free jab is available to all aged over 65, pregnant women and those with health conditions such as severe asthma, chest or heart complaints and diabetes.
Jabs are available from GP surgeries.
Dr Rita Robertson, director of public health in Warrington said: “Flu is not just a cold – it can be a really serious illness for some people and it doesn’t just affect older people.
“If you’re pregnant, have lowered immunity or a long term health condition such as severe asthma, a chest or heart complaint, or diabetes then you should also get a free flu jab from your GP and get flu safe. The flu jab is completely safe, and it can’t give you flu.”
NHS Warrington is encouraging everyone who knows anyone who may be at risk from flu to tell them how important it is that they get protected. People who are carers and frontline health and social care staff are also encouraged to get a free jab to protect themselves and those around them.
The flu vaccine changes every year to fight the latest strains of flu, so even people who had a jab last winter need another one this year to stay flu safe.
Dr Robertson added: “Flu can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and can make existing conditions much worse. Flu can knock you off your feet and make it hard to look after the children or go to work. In the most serious cases, seasonal flu might land you in hospital – it can even be a killer.
“If you’re in any of the ‘at risk’ groups, the flu jab is completely free and is a safe way of protecting you and your family in a matter of minutes.”
More information is available from GPs, pharmacists or www.nhs.uk/flu.