Stay well this winter – book your flu vaccination now

GP practices in North Norfolk and rural Broadland are urging people to help themselves stay well this winter by booking in for a free NHS flu vaccination.
 

 
Flu clinics have been taking place from mid-September so now is the time to ask at your GP practice if you think you are eligible. Don’t put it off, take up the offer from your GP as soon as you can. Free flu vaccinations may also be offered by your local pharmacy.
 
Flu is not like a bad cold; it is a debilitating condition that affects the whole body. It can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and it can also make existing conditions worse. Serious cases of flu can result in being admitted to hospital and in some instances could be fatal.
 
Dr Anoop Dhesi, chairman of North Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group and a GP in Stalham, said: “Dedicated ‘flu clinics are run by almost all GP practices up and down the country.
 
"If you book a slot at a special clinic, or even during a normal practice day, you can ensure you get the vaccine early and have the maximum benefit through the autumn and winter months. We strongly urge everyone who meets the NHS eligibility criteria to ring their GP practice and make sure they get vaccinated promptly.”
 
During the clinics, many practices also check patients aged over 65 for atrial fibrillation, looking for any signs that their heart may be starting to beat irregularly. This is another important way of looking after their patients’ health. If you’re aged 65 or over you are eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine, which will help protect you from pneumococcal diseases.
 
The flu jab for adults – and nasal spray for children – can be a lifesaver. It is safe and it cannot give you flu, because it does not contain live viruses.
 
People with serious health conditions, adults over 65, pregnant women, some carers and many healthy children, all qualify for a jab free from the NHS.
 
Adults
 
You are eligible to receive a free flu jab if you:

  • are 65 years of age or over;
  • are pregnant;
  • have certain medical conditions;
  • are very overweight;
  • are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility;
  • receive a carer’s allowance or are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill;
  • are a front-line health and social care worker (it is your employer’s responsibility to arrange vaccination for you).

 
Children
 
The flu vaccine is recommended for:
 

  • children over the age of six months with a long-term health condition;
  • children aged two, three and four plus those in school years one, two or three;
  • children aged between six months and two years who are eligible for the flu vaccine (this group should have the flu jab);
  • children eligible for the flu vaccine aged between two and 17 (this group usually have the flu vaccine nasal spray).

 
Your GP practice, pharmacist, health visitor or school nurse can provide more information, or there is more detailed guidance available online.
 

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