Push for people with health conditions to get flu vaccine ahead of festive period
We're urged to get vaccinated now to ensure full and best protection during Christmas
People across Swindon are being urged to get their Flu Jabs now to ensure they're protected over Christmas.
The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) says it can take up to two weeks for the vaccine to offer full protection.
UKHSA data up to the end of October reveals only a quarter of people (25%) in Swindon under 65 and with a health condition have had the vaccine so far.
Uptake among over 65s has been strong, with 59% of people vaccinated, while only 38% of pregnant women have been jabbed.
The vaccine is considered "by far" to be the best method of protection from the illness, said Dr Beth Smout, a UKHSA Health Consultant.
Dr Smout said uptake for the vaccine across the South West has been strong, with rates above the national level, but there are concerns about some areas.
"There are particular groups of people where the flu vaccine uptake is lower than we would like it to be, and I'm particularly thinking about adults with a long term health condition and would really encourage anyone with a long term health condition to go and get vaccinated," she said.
Dr Smout added that anyone with a health condition, and hasn't been vaccinated, risks becoming seriously unwell and may need to be treated in hospital.
The call for people to get vaccinated is partly fuelled by the desire to reduce pressure on the NHS during winter.
Parents are urged to get their children vaccinated too, as they can help infections spread more easily.
Dr Smout said: "Children are in the group of people who are eligible for a free flu vaccine that is both to protect them and because we know that they may spread it to people around them, particularly if you are planning to have a get together at Christmas, you might be getting together with members of your family who could be more vulnerable to the severe consequences of flu."
People eligible for the vaccine are encouraged to speak to their GP or local pharmacist about getting the jab.