Medics in Cumbria are urging eligible people to take up their flu vaccine by tomorrow, to ensure protection in time for Christmas.
The vaccine takes 14 days before it provides maximum protection, so people should try to get it before the 10th December to help keep themselves and vulnerable relatives safe throughout the festive season.
Flu is a highly infectious disease and can lead to serious complications for those living with a long-term health condition, including respiratory and heart conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease or a chronic neurological disease like multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy.
People with underlying health conditions overall are 11 times more likely to die if they catch flu compared to healthy adults.
Pregnant women are also at increased risk of serious complications and should have the flu vaccine to help protect themselves and their babies.
In north Cumbria, latest figures show that over 80 per cent of people aged 65 and over have already come forward for their flu vaccination – and 72 per cent of all those with underlying health conditions have taken up the offer.
Ed Tallis, director of primary care at NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We’re calling on people to take up the flu vaccine if they’re eligible, along with practicing good hygiene, ventilating rooms, and staying at home if unwell, to ensure we all have the safest possible Christmas.
“The flu programme has expanded to offer the free vaccine to more people than ever this year – and if you’re eligible we’d urge you to take up the offer as soon as possible – and before December 10 if you can – to ensure you’re protected for Christmas.”
Cumbria’s director of public health, Colin Cox, said: “While levels of flu infection are still low, typically levels ramp up over December, with a peak in January.
“Getting your winter vaccines – whether that is your flu jab if eligible or your booster jab – is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family this winter.
“The threat of flu has not gone away – it can cause serious illness and be fatal. Flu vaccination saves lives. If you are eligible, you don’t have to wait to be called up – book your flu vaccine as soon as possible to help protect yourself and family this Christmas.”
In England, more than 35 million people are eligible for a free flu vaccine this winter.
These include people aged 65 and over, those with underlying health conditions, and pregnant women. Children are also offered the flu vaccine to help protect them and reduce the spread of flu to more vulnerable people. This includes children aged two and three on August 31, and schoolchildren aged up to year 11.
Eligible adults can book their free NHS flu vaccination at their GP practice or local pharmacy.
Mums-to-be can also get the jab at their maternity service. Children are offered a quick and painless nasal flu spray. Parents can book an appointment at their child’s GP surgery for two and three-year-olds. School children receive their flu vaccine at school; parents should look out for the consent form.
Frontline health and social care workers should be offered the flu vaccine through their employer or, for some staff groups, they are eligible to receive it through their GP or pharmacy.
