‘Protect yourself and your family from flu’
People in Darlington are at risk from flu – including the parents of two and threeyear-old children – are being urged to take up the offer of a free flu vaccination at our
Practice.
We are appealing to all the vulnerable groups to protect themselves this winter by
getting vaccinated.
For the first time a nasal spray vaccine will be offered to healthy two- and three-yearold children in a bid to slow down the spread of the virus.
This marks the first step in an extension to the national flu vaccination programme,
which will eventually include yearly vaccination of all 2-16 year olds.
Dr Jenny Steel said:
‘For the majority of people, flu is an unpleasant, but not life-threatening illness.
However, it can be very serious for older people and those groups at risk of
developing complications.
‘They include those with weakened immune systems as well as underlying
conditions such as neurological disorders, liver, lung or renal disease, heart
problems or diabetes and pregnant women.
‘Vaccination remains the best way to protect against the potential serious harm from
flu this winter. I urge everyone entitled to a free vaccine, to take up the offer –
especially the parents of young children who qualify.’
A national advertising campaign was launched on 11 October by Public Health
England to encourage take-up of the vaccine.
Nationally almost 800 people were admitted to intensive care with complications of
flu last year. Each winter hundreds of thousands of people see their GP and tens of
thousands are admitted to hospital.
Dr Jenny Steel, continued: ‘Severe winter flu and its complications can make people
really ill and can kill.
‘You are eleven times more likely to die from flu if you are in a clinical at risk group. I
urge everyone who is eligible, to get the vaccine and help protect themselves and
their families this winter.’
The flu vaccine changes every year to fight the latest strains of flu, so even if you
had a vaccine last winter you need another one this year to stay safe from flu.
Simply contact us to arrange a convenient appointment and get you or your child
vaccinated. It’s quick, safe and free for those at risk from the virus and two and three
year olds.
FACT BOX
People who need the free flu vaccination include:
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People aged 65 years or over
All pregnant women (including those women who become pregnant
during the flu season).
All healthy two and three year olds
Adults and children over two with a serious medical condition such as
o Long term severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) or bronchitis
o Long-term heart disease, such as heart failure
o Long term kidney disease and liver disease
o Long term neurological disease, such as Parkinson's disease or
motor neurone disease
o Diabetes
o A weakened immune system due to disease (such as HIV/AIDS)
or treatment (such as cancer treatment)
People living in long stay residential care homes
People who are in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or those who are the
main carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk
if the carer falls ill
As part of a pilot programme, all primary school aged children in some areas are
also being offered the vaccination this year.
Don’t wait until there is a flu outbreak this winter: contact us now to get your
seasonal flu vaccination.
Notes to editors
Public Health England’s first weekly flu report shows current flu activity is low across
the UK at the start of the season. PHE will publish a weekly flu report until May 2014,
which will detail the flu viruses that are circulating together with information on the
levels of influenza illness in the population.
For further information about flu vaccination, including who should have it please visit
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pages/who-should-have-flu-vaccine.aspx
For information on why health care workers should receive the flu vaccine please
visit
http://www.nhsemployers.org/HealthyWorkplaces/StaffFluVaccination/Pages/season
al-flu-campaign.aspx