Dorset GP's urge patients to make sure they get their FREE flu jab
375,000 people in the county have been sent an invite.
Dorset GP's are calling on us to get our free flu jab, if we've been offered it.
Over 375,000 people in the county have been sent an invite to get vaccinated before the winter flu season.
They say it's vital to stave off the flu this year due to the added risk of coronavirus, to stop the spread of flu and reduce pressure on local health services.
Dr Karen Kirkham said:
“Over the summer months we have all got used to messages about reducing the spread of COVID-19 and the message around flu is really no different – protect yourself, help stop the spread and you could be saving lives.
"If you are offered a flu vaccination for whatever reason this year, please accept it.
"If you aren’t doing it for yourself do it for those around you. You may consider yourself in good health and may not normally get symptoms, but this does not reduce your risk of getting flu or passing it on. Along with helping people not get flu you will be helping reduce pressure on the NHS, enabling there to be more availability should there be a second wave of COVID-19.”
This year the flu vaccine is being offered free on the NHS to:
adults 65 and over
people with certain medical conditions (including children in at-risk groups from 6 months of age)
pregnant women
people living with someone who's at high risk from coronavirus (on the NHS shielded patient list)
children aged 2 and 3 on 31 August 2020
children in primary school
children in year 7 (secondary school)
frontline health or social care workers
If you are aged 50-64 and not in one of the at risk categories, you will be made aware in the coming months if you will be able to attend for vaccination, if the programme is extended this is likely to be November or December.
If you aren't in these categories, you are still able to book a flu jab privately through your pharmacy - they generally cost little more than £10.
Rachel Partridge, Assistant Director of Public Health Dorset said:
“Certain groups of residents are offered a free flu jab each year due to being at increased risk of becoming seriously ill if they catch flu. If you identify as one of the priority groups, then please speak with your GP or pharmacist about getting your free vaccine."
'Facts about flu'
Around 11,000 people a year die from flu and thousands more are hospitalised.
Flu is very serious.
The best way to keep yourself and the ones you love protected from getting flu is by getting a flu vaccine.
For more information, visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/