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People warned against playing Russian roulette with flu

5 October 2011

 

People in the north west are playing Russian roulette with their lives every year by not protecting themselves against seasonal flu, the Chief Medical Officer has warned.

Statistics show that 84% of people questioned in the north west say they get vaccinations against tropical diseases before travelling abroad. But only half of under 65s who were advised to get the seasonal flu jab took it up last year.

This is despite the fact that seasonal flu can also be life-threatening. Last year, 602 people died with flu in the UK. 70% of deaths were in young and middle aged people between 15 and 64.

These statistics come as this year’s seasonal flu vaccine is being made available for people in at risk groups, free of charge from GPs.

Graham Munslow, Health Protection Specialist at NHS Bolton, said: “It is important to have the jab as seasonal flu, and particularly complications from it, can be potentially fatal. It really could make the difference between life and death.”

Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies said “A five minute appointment to have the flu jab could save your life. Flu can be a serious illness – particularly for those in at risk groups. The best way to protect yourself is to be vaccinated.

National Director of Immunisation, Professor David Salisbury said: “It is important that people get vaccinated when they go travelling. However, it is just as important for people in at risk groups to get the flu jab. It is very important that people in these groups get vaccinated early in the flu season so they are protected before flu starts to circulate.

“About three-quarters of older people get their flu vaccine each year, but only around half of younger people in at risk groups get vaccinated. Seasonal flu is not the same as getting a cold - it can seriously affect your health.”

Those who can get the flu jab free of charge on the NHS include:

  • pregnant women
  • anyone with a long term condition including diabetes, asthma, liver disease, kidney disease or heart or chest problems
  • people undergoing medical treatment who may have a compromised immune system
  • people with a neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
  • everyone aged 65 or over.

The seasonal flu vaccine is now available for free at some pharmacies in Bolton.  Boots, based at Market Place, Middlebrook, Wigan Road and Trinity Street; Lloyds Pharmacy at Deane Road; and Cohens Chemist at Breightmet Health Centre will be giving flu jabs to people with long-term conditions on behalf of the local NHS.

The move aims to make it easier for people to get the seasonal flu vaccine.