Check your eligibility for a free flu jab

Concerns over low take-up this winter

HEALTH authorities are urging people to seek advice from pharmacies and GPs on their eligibility for a free flu jab this winter.

It follows concerns over the relatively low number of people across England and Wales taking up the offer.

Eligibility for the vaccination is determined based on a number of personal criteria, namely whether the patient has a longterm health condition.

This is especially true of obesity or people with respiratory or other breathing difficulties.

However, individuals with learning difficulties and neurological conditions – such as Parkinson’s disease – are also able to claim a free jab.

A full list of eligible groups can be found at https://bit.ly/ 2UIWE7u

In addition to the most vulnerable people, the Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is this year requesting that certain classes of essential worker get the jab.

These are:

Care home staff (irrespective of role).

Frontline health and social care workers.

Health and social care workers employed through direct payment and/or personal health budgets.

Primary carers for elderly or disabled persons.

Other designated ‘at risk’ groups include:

Pre-school children.

Over-65s.

People in long-stay residential care homes

Members of shielding households.

Berkshire West CCG chairman Dr Abid Iran, said: “Our surgeries have already vaccinated thousands of people this year and we’re very grateful to them for coming forward for their flu jab, which will prevent them catching this extremely contagious virus.

“Not only are they protecting themselves and their loved ones, they are helping protect the NHS and freeing up staff to concentrate on people who are very seriously ill.

“However, it’s clear there are still many people who are eligible for a free vaccination, but haven’t come forward.

“It may be they are worried about catching Covid or they don’t want to burden staff who could otherwise be dealing with Covid.

“I want to reassure them that all our clinics and surgeries are operating very strict social distancing and infection control measures, so they are safe places to attend.”

...it’s clear there are still many people who are eligible for a free vaccination, but haven’t come forward