Influenza can be very serious and life threatening for the elderly, vulnerable children and adults with serious medical conditions and pregnant women.
It has been stated in this week’s media new coverage that healthcare workers should go and get the influenza vaccination. The benefits of this being; for their own protection it will prevent them getting flu from their patients/service users and will also reduce the spread of influenza to other vulnerable children and adults.
In the NHS it allows for effective running of hospitals and other care environments. This will help to save may lives each year across the UK.
So, who would need a flu vaccine?
1.Those who are pregnant
2.Those who are aged 65 +
3.Those who have a serious medical condition
4.If you have a child who is aged 6 months – 2 years and is in an at-risk group
5.Those who live in a residential care setting or nursing home
6.Those who are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person
7.Those who are a healthcare or social care worker working in patient care
It is recommended that if you intend to get vaccinated you do so in the autumn, between October – November, as the flu usually circulates throughout winter time. The vaccine should be received each year to maintain immunity.
As we are now quickly approaching winter time, it is now an ideal time to get the vaccine, so you are fully prepared ahead of the winter months.
If you are a health & Social care worker and would like to find out more information about getting the flu jab and to see if you are entitled to the flu jab on the NHS please call your GP surgery who can advise you.