Residents urged to get their flu vaccines ahead of winter
People in Staffordshire are being encouraged to prevent hospital stays by getting their flu jab ahead of the colder months.
Coughs, colds and other viruses spread quicker in winter when people spend more time indoors together. This year’s flu jab is being made available to those most at risk, including children, pregnant women, older people, care home residents and people with underlying health conditions. Getting a flu jab will make symptoms less severe, with people less likely to need hospital care as a result.
Parents can also access flu vaccines, which is usually a nasal spray, for their children aged 2 to 16 years old. 2 to 3 year olds can get their vaccine at their GP surgery or at community pharmacies. School immunisation teams will also be offering flu vaccinations to all school-aged children at school or community clinics if they miss the school visit. Pregnant women should speak to their midwife to find out more.
Marie Shortland, Cabinet Support Member for Public Health and Integrated Care at Staffordshire County Council, said: “Working in the care sector, I know how poorly people can get, which is why I try to have my flu jab every year.
"It's important that people find out more about preventing flu. Flu can be extremely serious and even life-threatening in certain circumstances so we must do what we can to keep people out of hospital this winter and ease the pressure on our NHS.
“Getting the flu jab is quick and easy, so make sure you take up the offer when you are invited by your GP. You can have your flu jab at a number of different places and there’s lots of information on the NHS website.”
The NHS National Booking System is now open for all eligible people to book their winter flu vaccinations. Those eligible for the flu vaccine aged 18 years or over can also book a flu vaccination appointment at a pharmacy online, on the NHS App or by calling 119. You can also book a vaccination appointment for a child aged 2 or 3 years old.
People can watch Marie Shortland talking about the importance of flu vaccines here.
Find out more about winter vaccinations and winter health on the NHS website.
