Warning over delays in getting winter flu vaccines

DIFFERENT flu vaccines will be offered on the Welsh NHS this winter depending on your age, it has been revealed.

But health chiefs have warned that some age groups may face delays in getting vaccinated as they wait for the most effective treatment to become available.

The annual NHS Wales Beat Flu campaign, which encourages everyone eligible for flu jab or nasal spray to get protected has been launched.

Flu is a respiratory illness caused by a virus that affects the lungs and airways.

Symptoms generally come on suddenly and can include fever, chills, headache, cough, body aches, and fatigue.

It is spread via droplets which are sprayed into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Direct contact with contaminated hands or surfaces can also spread infection. It can spread rapidly, especially in closed communities such as hospitals, residential homes and schools. ■■Who is eligible for a free vaccination this winter?

Pregnant women, people with long-term health conditions, and everyone aged 65 and older are all eligible for a free vaccine on the Welsh NHS.

This includes people with: Chest problems (including moderate to severe asthma), diabetes (including diet controlled), heart problems, kidney disease, liver disease, neurological disease, stroke or mini stroke, suppressed immune system (maybe due to cancer treatment), no spleen (or a spleen that doesn’t work very well)

For the first time all primary school children are now eligible for a free nasal spray flu vaccine as well as children aged two and three years old on August 31.

The vaccine is also being offered to staff working in residential care and nursing homes this winter who have regular client contact.

In addition carers, volunteers providing care or providing first aid in organised public events, as well as community first responders, are entitled to the vaccine.

Adults who are morbidly obese with a body mass index of 40 or more - can also have a jab for free.

Those not eligible for a free NHS vaccine - such as healthy adults can pay for one at their local pharmacy for between £8 and £10. ■■Why are different vaccines being offered to different age groups?

To improve effectiveness, different flu vaccines recommended for different age groups are being introduced this year.

There are four different types in total - one for children (nasal spray), two for adults under 65 years old, and one for those aged 65 and above.

Find out more by visiting www. beatflu.org or www.curwchffliw. org or finding Beat Flu or Curwch Ffliw on Twitter and Facebook.