PEOPLE with long term health conditions in Warrington are being urged to get their free ‘flu jab.
Research from Public Health England shows people are at a much higher risk of severe illness if they test positive for both ‘flu and COVID-19, rather than just COVID-19 alone.
And the borough council say many local residents who are pregnant or who are under 65 with a long term health condition have still not had a ‘flu jab.
‘Flu is a serious illness that kills on average 11,000 people in England each year and hospitalises many more. Adults at high risk from ‘flu are also most at risk from being extremely unwell if they catch COVID-19. The ‘flu vaccine, free to high risk patients, is more important than ever to help protect people from the twin issues of ‘flu and COVID-19 this winter.
You may be considered “high risk” if you have one of the following health conditions:
• A respiratory condition, such as asthma
• Diabetes
• A heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease
• Being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
• Chronic kidney disease
• Liver disease, such as hepatitis
• Neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsy
• A learning disability
• Problems with your spleen, such as sickle cell disease
• A weakened immune system due to conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or resulting from chemotherapy
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, the council’s cabinet member for public health and wellbeing said: “It is vital that people take advantage of their free ‘flu jab if they are eligible to do so, and it’s more important than ever this year.
“It’s especially important that women who are pregnant, or people who have a long term health condition, take advantage of the free ‘flu jab, as they are more at risk of serious illness, particularly if they also contract coronavirus.
“We urge everyone to take ‘flu seriously, especially this year, and please make sure that you get vaccinated if you are able to do so.”
There is still time to get a free ‘flu vaccine if you are at risk. You can contact your GP practice, or a pharmacy that runs a ‘flu jab clinic to be vaccinated.
For more information about the ‘flu vaccine, visit nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine
