Cornwall schoolboy who nearly died from flu urges everyone to get jabs this winter
Henry Riley had to be cared for round the clock in a children's intensive care unit
The family of a Cornwall schoolboy who almost died from flu have shared their story to help the NHS raise awareness about vital vaccinations.
Henry Riley was otherwise healthy when he caught the virus.
But the nine-year-old was so poorly he ended up being cared for round the clock in a children's intensive care unit and had to learn to walk again.
As Henry was carried out to the ambulance, he asked his mum if he was going to die.
His mum Janine said: “It felt unreal that this child who was fit and healthy a few hours ago was now in a children’s intensive care unit.
“Having experienced a child almost die from flu, there is nothing scarier than that, and you are absolutely doing the best to protect your child by giving them the vaccine.”
Thankfully Henry has made a full recovery, but his plea to everyone eligible for their flu jab is simple.
He wants people to know that “it’s more important than ever to get vaccinated this winter.”
You can watch his story below...
Starring alongside Henry are a pregnant mum, a Cornish GP, a Bristol pharmacist, a SWAST paramedic, a nurse and Abdul Tariq from the Bristol Muslim Community Group.
They, just like Henry, are all backing the call for people to get a flu jab and boost their immunity to the virus this winter.
In an average year, flu hospitalises and kills thousands of people and this is far from an average year.
Dr Julie Yates, Lead Consultant for Screening and Immunisation NHS England and NHS Improvement SW Region, said: “Measures that were in place because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, meant flu levels were extremely low. This means fewer people built up immunity against flu for this winter.
“We don’t know what the situation is going to be this year, but getting the flu vaccination, if you are eligible, is the best thing that you can do to help stop yourself becoming seriously poorly and needing hospital care, or from potentially making someone else very ill.
“Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and those you care for against flu.”
The NHS free flu vaccine is available to anyone:
- 50 years old and older
- With a long-term health condition
- If you are pregnant
- Live in a residential care home
- Receive a carers allowance or live with someone who is likely to get flu
- Health and social care workers
- School aged children, and children aged 2 and 3 years old.
Book an appointment at your GP surgery or pharmacy.