The campaign will encourage people in the East Midlands who are at risk of
seasonal flu to protect themselves by getting their free flu jabs.
Everyone aged 65 and over is routinely offered the jab, as are younger
people with long-term conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, multiple
sclerosis, serious kidney and liver disease. Around 15 million people
in the UK have the jab, which must be administered every year as it is
altered each year to match the seasonal flu strains in circulation.
David Walker, Regional Director of Public Health at NHS East
Midlands said:
"We encourage all East Midlands residents who are offered the free
seasonal flu jab to take advantage of it and protect themselves this
winter. Those aged 65 and over and those under 65 with long term
conditions such as diabetes or heart conditions are particularly at
risk. Remember that even if you feel well you are at
increased risk of seasonal flu and the jab is your best
protection.”
Seasonal flu, also known as influenza, is a highly infectious illness
caused by a virus. The virus which is different from swine flu (H1N1)
changes every year as does the vaccine, so, it is important that those at
risk ensure they receive the jab to protect themselves.
Every year approximately 8,000 people suffer seasonal flu-related deaths in
the winter months in England and Wales.
The best way for East Midlands residents to avoid seasonal flu is to get
immunised, but in addition people can also protect themselves by practising
good hand hygiene. This means carrying tissues, covering coughs and sneezes
with a tissue, disposing of the tissue after one use, and cleaning hands as
soon as possible.
