MP urges those at risk to get the flu jab
CHEADLE MP Mary Robinson has urged those at risk of getting flu to get their free vaccine before winter sets in.
She says that 33,136 people missed out on protection last year across Stockport, with 12,735 older people not having their jab, and just 61.2 per cent with longterm conditions being vaccinated.
Mary said: “Getting the flu can be bad enough for even the fittest of us, but getting the flu jab is easy and offers the best chance of avoiding the flu.
“I urge all those eligible to speak to your GP or local pharmacist and get your vaccination booked in.”
This year, children in Year 4 will be offered the vaccine for the first time and a £10 million programme will also see a free vaccination offered to all care home workers.
NHS England’s national medical director for acute care, professor Keith Willett, said: “Hospitals and GPs are preparing intensively for this winter and we would remind people of the importance of having a flu vaccination.
“There are 21 million people eligible this year, but last year eight million people missed out and that is something we can all definitely change.”
More information on eligibility for the flu jab, and other tips on staying well this winter, can be found at www.nhs.uk/ staywell.