Public Health Northamptonshire advises shielders and over 65s to get their flu jabs

The NHS offers free flu vaccines to those aged 65-years-old or over to help protect them from the highly infectious viral illness. The flu vaccine is the most effective way to reduce the risk of catching the virus and unplanned hospital admissions that inevitably follow, particularly from the elderly and ‘high risk’ group.

Public Health Northamptonshire states that it is essential for people, who fall into these groups, to be vaccinated against flu because these groups are the most susceptible to further complications of having the virus. Respiratory illnesses can be extremely serious and, in some cases, fatal - as witnessed throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Those unfortunate enough to be infected by both the flu and coronavirus are more at risk of severe respiratory complications or death. Most cases of co-infection were in older people and those on the NHS shielded patient list.

Lucy Wightman, Director of Public Health Northamptonshire, said: “Getting a flu vaccination is the best way of protecting you and your family from flu every winter. This winter, we are not just dealing with flu but with COVID-19 as well. It is especially important that those, who are eligible for free flu vaccine this year, take up the offer. Along with other respiratory conditions, flu can cause problems in those who are most vulnerable and I urge residents within these two groups to take up their vaccinations this year.”

The NHS has extended the eligibility criteria for a flu vaccine to include those who live in the same household as someone who is shielding because they are high at risk from coronavirus in further efforts to keep those who are at most risk safe this winter.

You are eligible to receive a free flu jab if you are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2021); have certain health conditions; are pregnant; are in a long-stay residential care; receive a carer’s allowance or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick; live with someone who’s shielding; frontline health or social care workers; children aged 2-11-years-old.

As part of the extended programme commencing in late November, those aged 50 - 64-years-old will also be eligible for a flu vaccination

Public Health Northamptonshire strongly urges those who fall into the above categories to speak to their GP or visit a local pharmacy to get booked in for their free flu vaccine.

Those who are unsure if they are eligible are advised to contact their GP or local pharmacy or visit the NHS website for more information.

People who do not fall into the eligible categories are still strongly recommended to make their own arrangements to have the flu jab because the virus can be serious for anyone who catches it. Vaccinations are available for a small large at many local pharmacies.