NHS Western Cheshire urges vulnerable people to get their flu jab for winter

Oct 28 2010 Chester Chronicle

NHS Western Cheshire has launched its seasonal flu campaign.

Thousands of people who may be at risk and who could become seriously ill if they catch the flu virus are being advised to strongly consider protecting themselves by getting their flu jab.

The seasonal flu jab is recommended for people of all ages who have certain health problems which may put them at greater risk of suffering from complications if they catch the flu.

People with heart or chest conditions, diabetes, liver or kidney diseases, people who have had a stroke or ministroke, those with lowered immunity due to disease or treatment, neurological conditions, for example multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy, spleen problems, or if you have had your spleen removed are recommended to have the seasonal flu jab every year.

People aged 65 years or over, people living in residential or nursing homes and people who are the main carer of an older or disabled person are also recommended to have the seasonal flu jab. Pregnant women who have underlying health conditions should have their seasonal flu jab as usual.

The seasonal flu jab is also being recommended this year for all otherwise healthy pregnant women if they have not already had a swine flu jab. This is because swine flu will still be circulating this winter and can cause severe disease in pregnant women.

The seasonal flu jab this year will protect against the strains of the flu virus most likely to be circulating this winter. This may include swine flu.

Dr Alex Stewart of the Health Protection Agency said: “There are people who fear the flu vaccine can make them ill. The flu vaccine does not contain any live organisms and can not cause any kind of flu.”