Latest news in Yorkshire: October 11, 2018 09:04:58 AM
#wathupondearne
People in Rotherham are encouraged to get the flu vaccination to help
protect themselves and their loved ones this winter.
Those who can receive a free jab include people over 65, people with
health conditions aged 6 months – 65 years old (for example heart
disease, diabetes, asthma or other respiratory conditions and obesity
with a body mass index of 40 or higher), pregnant women, children
through to year 4 and carers.
Flu is a highly infectious disease and can lead to serious complications
especially if you have a long-term health condition. Pregnancy naturally
weakens the body’s immune system leaving women more vulnerable to
catching the disease, and carers are at risk of passing it to the people
they look after.
Flu can be horrible at any age but particularly for little children.
When children get it, they can spread it around the whole family. The
flu vaccine for children from 2 to 8 years old is just a quick nasal
spray. Children aged 2 or 3 will get the vaccine from their GP, and
around 17,500 Rotherham school children from reception class through to
year 4 will be offered vaccinations through their school.
Cllr David Roche, Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social
Care and Health said: “For most people, flu is unpleasant, but for some
– particularly elderly people, people with health conditions, or young
children, it can lead to severe health complications, hospitalisation or
even death. So it is really important that if you are eligible for the
vaccine, please don’t delay getting the jab. Vaccination is not just
about keeping yourself safe, it’s about protecting your family, friends
and colleagues too
“Also remember that the flu vaccine changes every year to fight the
latest strains of flu, so even if you had a jab last winter you need
another one this year to stay flu safe.”
Protecting yourself against flu also reduces the chance of you needing
to visit your doctor or be admitted to hospital, which is vital during
the winter months to help free up appointments for those who need to see
their doctor most. Pharmacies are on hand with help and advice on colds
and winter wellness, and parents are reminded that notes from GPs are
not required if your child is ill.
If you are eligible for the flu vaccine, get it now – it’s free because
you need it. Contact your GP, pharmacist or midwife to get the flu jab,
or sign the form to give consent for the vaccination to be given at
school.
Visit the NHS website: http://www.nhs.uk/fluvaccine
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