Thursday 20 December 2012

Get your flu jab!

If you haven't done so already now really is the time to get your flu jab. People who are at risk from flu need to protect themselves and their families, and get flu safe with a free flu jab.
I got this jab several weeks ago after a horse racing accident left me with no spleen.
I want to remind everyone of increased risk that they really need to make sure they protect themselves and have the vaccine. I know people will be busy with Christmas but it is not to late. It is very important to protect yourself as Flu can kill you. Even a mild dose can make it hard to look after the kids or go to work.


Flu can also increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Those people at risk who are under 65 can also go along to participating pharmacists and have the flu vaccine. Patients who choose to go along to the pharmacy will need to take their GP letter and photo identification along to prove they are eligible for the vaccination.
Last year, 76% of people over 65 years and 57% in the at risk groups were vaccinated against flu in the Hexham area compared with the national averages of 74% for the over 65s and 51.6% for those ‘at risk’.