Bolton's At Risk Residents Are Urged To Get Their Flu Jab
9th November 2010
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Its still not too late for those at risk to get their flu jab in Bolton
Health Chiefs are urging people in Bolton to get there flu jabs. If you are in one of the 'at risk' groups then you should make your appointment ASAP before the winter months really take hold.
Remember the old saying 'Coughs and Sneezes Spread diseases'? Well this is very true for 'seasonal flu' as it is officially known which is a highly infectious respiratory illness caused by the flu virus and this is spread rapidly by the coughs and sneezes of infected people.
The flu vaccine is offered to 'at risk' groups of people who may be at risk of serious complications if they get the infection.
It is recommended you have a flu jab if you:
- are 65 or over,
- have a serious medical condition (see box),
- live in a residential or nursing home,
- are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill,
- are a healthcare or social care professional directly involved in patient care, or
- work with poultry
Pregnant women and health workers are also reminded that they should get the vaccine.
The vaccine this year includes protection against swine flu as it is felt it is one of the strains of flu that may affect people over the coming months.
This is a free vaccine to vulnerable groups and GP's in Bolton have lists of patients who are entitled to be immunised and will be inviting them to make an appointment or come along to one of their drop in sessions.
If you feel you or someone you care for should be entitled to the vaccine then speak to your GP.
