Flu jab reminder for the vulnerable

Oct 6 2008 Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

THE Health Protection Agency is urging eligible Halton residents to have the flu jab before winter sets in.

Pensioners, carers for the elderly or infirm, those living long-term in residential homes, and anyone with a chronic illness or lowered immunity, can have the free NHS vaccination.

Dr Sarah de Martin, Health Protection Agency consultant in communicable disease control, said: “If you meet the criteria for vaccination ensure that you have the protection of a flu jab.

“Don’t take a risk with your health. If in doubt, consult your doctor.

“If the flu virus starts circulating in the community we will inevitably begin to see cases, particularly in people for whom flu jabs are recommended and who do not protect themselves.

“Influenza is not a bad cold. It can be a serious illness and 3,000 to 4,000 deaths are linked to it each year in the UK.”