Not had a ‘flu jab? Get it now!

WARRINGTON people eligible for a free ‘flu jab who have still not had one are being urged: “Get it now.”
The advice comes from the borough council’s public health team.
‘Flu is a highly infectious disease with symptoms that come on very suddenly. Healthy individuals usually recover in two to seven days but for some, the disease can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability or even death.
Those who have long-term health conditions, women who are pregnant and all people aged more than 65 are entitled to a free jab from their GP, as they are at greater risk of developing complications as a result of ‘flu.
Residents living in a long-stay residential care facility are also entitled to the free flu jab as well as those that receive a carer’s allowance or are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person.
The NHS ‘flu immunisation programme has also extended to all children in school years 1 and 2 who will be offered a nasal spray vaccine in school. It is expected that this will have a huge impact on the spreading of ‘flu in the community, reducing its impact across all age groups.
Children aged 2-4 years should also be vaccinated and can get the nasal spray vaccine from their GP.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin (pictured) , the council’s lead member for public health and wellbeing, said: “’Flu can be a very nasty illness and we want to avoid it spreading as much as possible to protect the communities of Warrington, particularly our more vulnerable residents.
“When it comes to young children, the nasal spray vaccination is a quick, painless and effective way for your child to be protected from flu without the need for injections.
“I strongly urge those who are eligible for the flu vaccine to go to their GP and get it done as early as possible. It’s really not worth putting yourself at risk of catching flu.”
Dr Dan Bunstone, clinical lead of NHS Warrington CCG, said: “For most people, ‘flu means a very unpleasant week, disrupting their work and social life and making it much harder to deal with daily life.
“That’s bad enough, but older people, the very young, pregnant women and those with underlying diseases are at particular risk of severe illness if they catch ‘flu. Antibiotics will not treat the ‘flu, so your only protection is the jab.”
To book a free flu vaccination, contact a GP or to find out more, visit: http://www.warrington.gov.uk/publichealth.