Don’t forget the ‘other’ jab!

VACCINATIONS AGAINST FLU URGED BY MP

WITH all the talk in the news this week being about Covid-19 vaccines, a city MP has urged people to remember to get another important jab - to combat the flu.

Jon Ashworth, Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Labour MP for Leicester South, has this week encouraged everyone to protect themselves from influenza this winter

Yesterday Mr Ashworth, pictured right, visited Pearl Chemist on Evington Road, in Leicester, to discuss the importance of flu vaccinations during a global pandemic.

As part of the visit, he also got his annual flu jab.

The Flu Vaccination Service is available not only at the GP practices, but at most community pharmacies.

Many pharmacies are open for longer hours than GP practices, including at weekends, and patients can more often than not often walk in for a vaccination without an appointment.

Mr Ashworth said: “Vaccination saves lives. This week we have all been heartened at news of the coronavirus vaccine.

“Soon people across Leicester will start receiving Covid jabs but, in the meantime, it is vital that people carry on getting the flu vaccination as well.

“I have always been an advocate for flu vaccination, but this winter it is especially important to get one because of coronavirus.

“While it will not protect you from coronavirus, research shows that if you get flu and coronavirus at the same time you are far more likely to be seriously ill.

“Flu can cause severe illness and even death among vulnerable groups, including older people, pregnant women and people with an underlying health condition.

“All these people, and others, are eligible for a free NHS funded flu vaccine.”

The viruses that cause flu can change every year, so people need a vaccination that matches the new strains each year.

The vaccine usually provides protection for the duration of that year’s flu season.

Ravi Kareer, manager at Pearl Chemist, said: “Getting your annual flu jab is important not only to prevent serious complications, but to help reduce pressure on the NHS and social care staff who are currently overwhelmed dealing with the pandemic.

“If you have had coronavirus, it is still safe to have the flu vaccine and it will be effective at helping to prevent flu.”

■ To find out more about who should have the flu vaccine, please visit: