Spalding area residents are urged to have their flu jab

Whilst the entire country’s focus has been firmly on COVID-19 over the past five months, another significant pressure faced by the NHS is seasonal flu.

NHS Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is urging people to have a flu vaccine if they are eligible, to do their bit to help themselves and the NHS.

Given the risk of flu and COVID-19 co-circulating this winter, it is perhaps more important than it has ever been for people who are eligible to have a flu vaccine to ensure they get this critical cover, particularly for those who are considered vulnerable.

The flu vaccine reduces the risk of catching flu, as well as spreading it to others, and it is more effective to get the vaccine before the start of the flu season (December to March).

Flu can cause severe illness and even death among vulnerable groups, as well as complications like bronchitis and pneumonia, so it is particularly important to have the flu vaccine, which is available free of charge on the NHS.

Eligible people are:

• Over 65 years or over;

• Pregnant;

• Have certain medical

conditions;

•Living in a long-stay;

residential care home or other

long-stay facility;

• Receive a carer’s allowance,

or you are the main carer for an

elderly or disabled person

whose welfare may be at risk if

you fall ill;

• Live with someone who’s at

risk of coronavirus (on the NHS

shielded patient list) or you

expect to be with them on most

days over winter.

Later this year, the flu vaccine may also be given to 50-64 year olds – more information will be available in the autumn. However, if you are 50-64 and have a certain medical condition and are classed as high risk, you should have the vaccine as soon as possible.

The flu vaccine is also available for some children, including primary school pupils. More information on who is eligible is available on the NHS website.