Reminder for people to get the flu vaccine

People with breathing conditions are being urged to take up their free flu vaccine offer to protect themselves and reduce pressure on the NHS this winter.

Almost 16,000 people with a breathing condition in County Durham have not yet taken up the offer of a flu vaccin.

People with breathing conditions are at increased risk of getting flu and being seriously affected by it and are also seven times more likely to die from flu than someone without an underlying health condition.

Durham County Council’s Public Health team, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, NHS County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS North of England Commissioning Support Unit have joined forces to raise awareness of the importance of the flu vaccine.

Cllr Lucy Hovvels, Durham County Council’ s Cabinet member for Adult and Health Services, said: “It is concerning to see so many people with breathing conditions have not yet taken up the offer of the free flu vaccine.

“I know many people living with such conditions are trying to avoid leaving the house due to the coronavirus pandemic and this is understandable.

"However, by failing to get the flu vaccine they are putting themselves and others at risk.” Dr Steve Cowie, consultant respiratory physician at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said: “People with a chronic respiratory condition are more likely to be seriously affected by flu and, sadly, are also at greater risk of dying.

"It’s vital therefore, that they take up the offer of a free flu vaccine to protect themselves.”