Stay well this winter – get your flu vaccination

GP practices in Broadland are urging patients to help themselves stay well this winter by booking in for a free National Health Service flu vaccination.
 

 
People with serious health conditions, adults over 65, some carers and healthy children between the age of two and four all qualify for one free from the NHS. Pregnant women and children in primary school years one and two are also eligible.
 
The call from local GP practices comes just as the NHS prepares to launch a major new health campaign called “Stay Well This Winter”.
 
GPs and nurses at local medical practices are geared up to vaccinate patients over the coming weeks; many have arranged special flu vaccination sessions.
 
These clinics are usually very busy and well-co-ordinated affairs. Teams of doctors and nurses are on hand to vaccinate a patient every two minutes or so.
 
The flu jab for adults – and nasal sprays for children – can be a lifesaver. It is safe and it cannot give you flu, because it does not contain live viruses.
 
Flu is a debilitating condition that affects the whole body. It can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, or can make existing conditions worse. Serious cases of flu can result in being admitted to hospital, and in some instances could be fatal.
 
The injected flu vaccine is also offered free of charge on the NHS to anyone with a serious long-term health condition, including:
 

  • chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma (which requires an inhaled or tablet steroid treatment or has led to hospital admission in the past), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchitis;
  • chronic heart disease, such as heart failure;
  • chronic kidney disease;
  • chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis;
  • chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or motor neurone disease;
  • diabetes;
  • problems with your spleen, for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed;
  • a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medication such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy.

 
Your GP practice, health visitor or school nurse can offer more details, or there is much more detailed guidance HERE

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