HEALTH AND CARE: Protect yourself against seasonal flu

GPs across the local area are calling for more people to get protected against seasonal flu.
The flu vaccine is provided free at GP practices across the area to those who are eligibleThe flu vaccine is provided free at GP practices across the area to those who are eligible
The flu vaccine is provided free at GP practices across the area to those who are eligible

If you are eligible for the jab, the seasonal flu vaccination is the best protection for you and your loved ones, and can help to stop the spread of flu in the community this winter.

This year’s campaign has just started so if you may be at risk from flu this winter, get protected.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The flu vaccine is provided free at GP practices across our local area for people with long-term health conditions, carers, people aged over-65, pregnant women, children aged two, three or four-years old-and our youngest primary school children are also be eligible to receive the free nasal spray vaccine.

We can reassure parents that for most children, the vaccine can be given as a simple nasal spray, with no injections involved.

We are also keen for pregnant women to get protected this winter, so that they protect not only themselves but their unborn babies as well.

Research has shown that babies born to women who have received the jab are less likely to develop flu during the first few months of their life.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It not only protects you but reduces the risk of the virus being passed on to your friends and family.

Flu can be a very nasty and can cause people to need hospital care, especially for children who have other medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

But the flu vaccine can stop the flu spreading and mean that you are protected from becoming unwell.

If you are eligible for the free flu vaccine but haven’t had it yet, contact your GP practice to find out more.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

You can also read more about seasonal flu and how the jab protects you online – www.nhs.uk/Livewell/winterhealth/Pages/Fluandthefluvaccine.aspx

---

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.