It's not too late to have a flu jab

The local NHS says it’s not too late for ‘at risk’ patients to have a free NHS flu vaccination. These include patients aged 65 and over, adults living with a long term condition such as diabetes and asthma, and all pregnant women.

People eligible for a free vaccine should visit their GP practice when invited to have a jab. Flu can seriously affect their health and the risks of developing complications are higher for people in these ‘at risk’ groups.  

Parents are asked to get their children aged 2 and 3 vaccinated against flu with a simple and quick nasal spray at their GP practice when asked. Children are super-spreaders of flu, and by vaccinating them it reduces the risk of transmission to frail and elderly groups.

Dr Ed Capo-Bianco, Clinical Locality Director at Oxfordshire CCG said: “We urge eligible patients to have a free flu vaccination to protect them this winter. It’s not too late for these patients to have the vaccine from their GP practice when invited.”

Ed said: “The flu is not the same as getting a cold. It can seriously affect your health and the risks of developing complications are greater for people within the ‘at-risk’ groups. Healthy individuals usually recover within two to seven days, but for some the disease can lead to a stay in hospital, permanent disability or even death.”

For more information on flu vaccinations visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/