Local MP Mark Pawsey has urged residents of Rugby and Bulkington who are at risk of getting flu to get their free vaccine jab before winter sets in as it emerged that 73,588 people missed out last year across Warwickshire.
Flu vaccination rates continue to climb across the country, but remain lower than ideal in many areas. For the first time ever this year’s campaign will see a free vaccination will be offered to all care home workers. This is because official figures show that older people are three times as likely to be admitted to hospital with flu if they live in a care home.
Mark’s call comes as the Chief Medical Officer warned last week that flu and complications associated with it cause 8,000 deaths on average a year in England, around 6,000 of which are people with existing heart and lung conditions. In addition, official figures show that there was an 11% increase in bed days lost to flu and pneumonia last year in English hospitals, with 2.9m total bed days lost in 2016.
Speaking after getting his flu jab Mark said:
“Getting the flu can be bad enough for even the fittest of us, but for older people and those with long-term conditions in particular it can cause serious health problems. That’s why this year there is a £10m programme offering a free vaccination to all care home workers via their GP or pharmacist.”
Mark continued:
“This year the free flu jabs mark the start of the Public Health and NHS England’s joint Stay Well This Winter campaign, which helps the most vulnerable people prepare for winter and avoid having to visit hospital due to common winter illnesses. This year to ensure everyone gets the health care they need this winter, the government is bolstering support outside A&E’s, with 12,000 additional GP sessions offered this winter.”
Mark concluded:
“Getting the flu jab is free and easy, and offers the best chance of avoiding the flu that we have. I’d therefore urge everyone eligible in Rugby and Bulkington – including all care home staff for the first time - to speak to your GP or local pharmacist and get your vaccination booked in before the cold weather sets in.”