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Your PCT / News / Bolton pharmacies prescribe a flu-free winter

Bolton pharmacies prescribe a flu-free winter

20 October 2011

People who are at risk of getting complications from flu during the winter are being reminded to get this year’s seasonal flu vaccine.

For the first time, some pharmacies in Bolton are providing the seasonal flu vaccine for free to people who are under 65 and suffer from long-term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.

Even mild forms of these conditions can potentially put people at risk of developing complications from the flu virus.

Boots stores 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 vaccine is given to people who are at risk every year and is matched to the current strains of flu. As such, part of this year’s vaccine is focused on the H1N1 strain of the virus, which is commonly known as swine flu.

Swine flu is particularly dangerous to pregnant women as it affects the lower part of the lungs. Because of this, this year's flu jab is being offered to women at any stage of pregnancy.

Graham Munslow, Health Protection Specialist at NHS Bolton, said: “It’s great that pharmacies are providing this extra services. It gives those who are eligible for the flu jab, but unable to visit their GP during working hours, a chance to get it in their lunch break.

“It’s important to have the jab as flu, and particularly complications from it, can be potentially fatal. It really could make the difference between life and death.”

The vaccine is also available to pregnant women and those over 65. GPs have lists of people who are at risk and will be inviting people to book an appointment or attend a drop-in session. People can also contact their local surgery to make an appointment.

Anyone who receives a carer’s allowance, is a main carer or the carer of an elderly or disabled person, is also eligible for the vaccine.