NHS Walsall and Age UK urge older people to get the flu jab for winter protection

Older people in Walsall are being urged to get their winter flu vaccination to help protect them this winter. Every year, 8,000 people in England and Wales die from flu related causes, and many of these deaths are avoidable. If you are over 65, it is vital to get your seasonal flu jab, to protect you at the time of year when you are most vulnerable. Flu is not simply just a bad cold. It can increase your risk of more serious illness particularly if you have an underlying condition, so help protect yourself and those around you by having a seasonal flu jab at your local GP surgery.

Dr Narinder Sahota, Medical Director for NHS Walsall said: “Seasonal flu, also known as influenza, is a highly infectious illness caused by a virus. The types of virus in circulation change every year as does the vaccine, so, it is important that those at risk ensure they receive the jab annually to protect themselves.”

“Those over 65 are entitled to a free NHS flu jab at their GP surgery.  This will give them the best protection possible against seasonal flu. Older people are especially at risk, but carers of older people are also advised to get vaccinated to protect not only themselves but the person they care for, who may be particularly vulnerable.

“And remember, the flu vaccine does not contain live viruses, so it cannot give you the flu.”

Age UK’s flu guide is available from its website www.ageuk.org.uk

ENDS

Picture from left to right is Dr Narinder Sahota giving the flu jab to Walsall resident and MyNHS Walsall member Eileen Russell