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22/11/2010
Flu Experts Urge Patients To Have The Jab
People at risk of complications from seasonal flu are being reminded of the importance to get themselves protected by taking advantage of the annual free flu jabs.
Experts are seeing that the rates of people taking advantage of the seasonal flu vaccine are slightly lower than at the same point in previous years.
At the end of October, 48 per cent of over 65s had so far accepted the jab against 54 per cent at the same point last year. Whereas 26 per cent of under 65s in at risk groups had accepted it against 31 per cent last year.
The 'blip' in uptake could be explained by a period of milder than usual weather for this time of year or it could be due to people being unnecessarily concerned about the jab containing swine flu vaccine.
So experts are taking no chances and want to urge patients to check if they're eligible and make sure they contact their doctor to have it.
Professor David Salisbury, Director of Immunisation at the Department of Health said: "We don't know how serious flu will be this winter. But we do know that improving seasonal flu vaccine uptake will ensure that more vulnerable people are protected.
"This year's vaccine is the ordinary seasonal flu jab and protects against the dominant strains - this year it protects against three types of flu, including the type known as 'swine flu'. It is vital we don't underestimate the effects of this virus. It is not the same as getting a cold and it can seriously affect your health.
"My advice is to visit your local GP surgery and get the vaccination as soon as possible. This is the best form of protection for you and others."
Those eligible include: people aged 65 years and over; people aged under 65 in the clinical risk groups - which for the first time includes pregnant women; and frontline healthcare professionals.
Around 14 - 15 million doses of seasonal flu vaccine are available for use in the UK, which must be administered every year as it is altered to match the flu strains in circulation.
The jab is the best form of protection but people can protect themselves and those around them by practising good hand hygiene with the 'catch it, bin it, kill it' technique.
Over 10,000 deaths were thought to be flu-related in a recent severe flu season.
(BMcN/GK)
Experts are seeing that the rates of people taking advantage of the seasonal flu vaccine are slightly lower than at the same point in previous years.
At the end of October, 48 per cent of over 65s had so far accepted the jab against 54 per cent at the same point last year. Whereas 26 per cent of under 65s in at risk groups had accepted it against 31 per cent last year.
The 'blip' in uptake could be explained by a period of milder than usual weather for this time of year or it could be due to people being unnecessarily concerned about the jab containing swine flu vaccine.
So experts are taking no chances and want to urge patients to check if they're eligible and make sure they contact their doctor to have it.
Professor David Salisbury, Director of Immunisation at the Department of Health said: "We don't know how serious flu will be this winter. But we do know that improving seasonal flu vaccine uptake will ensure that more vulnerable people are protected.
"This year's vaccine is the ordinary seasonal flu jab and protects against the dominant strains - this year it protects against three types of flu, including the type known as 'swine flu'. It is vital we don't underestimate the effects of this virus. It is not the same as getting a cold and it can seriously affect your health.
"My advice is to visit your local GP surgery and get the vaccination as soon as possible. This is the best form of protection for you and others."
Those eligible include: people aged 65 years and over; people aged under 65 in the clinical risk groups - which for the first time includes pregnant women; and frontline healthcare professionals.
Around 14 - 15 million doses of seasonal flu vaccine are available for use in the UK, which must be administered every year as it is altered to match the flu strains in circulation.
The jab is the best form of protection but people can protect themselves and those around them by practising good hand hygiene with the 'catch it, bin it, kill it' technique.
Over 10,000 deaths were thought to be flu-related in a recent severe flu season.
(BMcN/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
