'More important than ever' people with long-term health conditions in Sussex get flu jab
More than 270,000 people across Sussex have been vaccinated so far this winter
Last updated 3rd Dec 2020
People in Sussex who have long-term health conditions are being urged to get their flu jab this winter.
The NHS in the county has said it is more important than ever for them to have the vaccination, as research shows that if people get flu and coronavirus at the same time, they are more likely to be seriously ill or be admitted to hospital.
Catching flu can make the effects of their existing condition worse and can cause series complications.
Long term health conditions which can cause issues alongside flu include diabetes, a long term respiratory, heart, kidney, liver or neurological condition, a weakened immune system and obesity.
It comes as more than 270,000 people across Sussex have been given the jab so far this winter, according to Allison Cannon, chief nurse officer for Sussex NHS commissioners.
She said:
"So, for an example, three-quarters of our population of the over 65s have had their flu jabs this year.
"That's ten per cent more than we vaccinated this time last year.
"So we've increased our protection of people by quite a considerable amount.
"We have seen a real increase in terms of people wanting to take the opportunity to have the flu vaccination this year.
"I know our GP practices and pharmacies have been working really hard to ensure their flu clinics are running so people can absolutely get their vaccination.
"We know that catching flu is more serious for those people who have got long-term health conditions.
"It can make the effects of having an existing condition, such as a long-term respiratory problem, kidney or heart disease, worse and you can have more serious complications if you catch the flu."
An average of 11,000 deaths occur annually due to flu-related complications.
Of these deaths, many were in people with underlying conditions.
The NHS has said people with chronic heart disease are approximately 11 times more likely to die if they catch flu than individuals who have no other underlying health condition.
People with a long-term health condition should have received a letter to invite them for their flu vaccination and can speak to their GP to arrange an appointment.