Fight Flu This Winter

Council reminds people to get their jab in time

Older and vulnerable residents are being urged to have their seasonal flu jab by the council.

Seasonal flu affects thousands of people each year, and in some cases it can be fatal. The illness can also place a strain on hospitals, causing sudden rises in emergency admissions.

Anyone aged 65 and over, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, heart or kidney disease is entitled to receive a free jab. This year, a nasal spray vaccine will also be available to children aged two to three years.

Cllr Ajmer Grewal, cabinet member for leisure and public health at the council, recently had her flu jab. She said: ”Flu is not like a cold - it can be a really serious illness for some people and it doesn’t just affect older people.

“I would urge anyone to get themselves vaccinated as early as possible. GPs across Hounslow are offering special clinic sessions until December.

“If you’re in any of the ’at risk’ groups, the flu jab is completely free and is a safe way of protecting you and your family in a matter of minutes.”

The council has provided the flu jab to frontline council staff such as health and social workers to help make sure key services continue to operate during the flu season.

The flu vaccine changes every year to fight the latest strains of flu, so even if you had a jab last winter you need another one this year to stay flu safe. The jab doesn’t contain the ‘live’ virus so it cannot give you the flu.

For more information, speak to your GP or local pharmacist, or visit www.nhs.uk/flu

November 9, 2013