The annual national campaign to encourage people in eligible groups across Wales to have the free NHS flu vaccination and protect themselves from the illness has been launched.
‘Beat Flu’ aims to ensure that the people who need it most get protection each year against the flu. This includes everyone aged 65 and over, people with certain long term health conditions and pregnant women.
Carers, volunteers providing care or providing first aid in organised public events, as well as Community First Responders, are also entitled to the vaccine, which is delivered as a small injection in the arm.
After the success of last year’s pilot campaign for children, the nasal spray flu vaccine for children is this year also being rolled out to all four-year-olds, as well as those aged two or three years old, and school Year 7 pupils. The younger children will have the spray in their GP practice and Year 7 children will receive their nasal spray vaccine in school.
Vaccination clinics are taking place across the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board area and Dr Gill Richardson, Director of Public Health, is urging all those who are eligible to have the flu jab.
She said: “Flu vaccination is safe and effective and can prevent serious illness. Flu kills, so it is important that all vulnerable people are protected from this preventable disease.
“If you are in any of the groups mentioned, please register for your free vaccination as soon as possible to ensure you are protected.
“Children and Carers are amongst the new groups that are eligible for free immunisation. It is also especially important that those caring for frail or elderly people are able to keep healthy themselves and the flu vaccine will certainly help them to do so. Contact your GP surgery who will be able to help.”
Last year, over half (53%) of those aged 65 or over in the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board area had their vaccination, but just 36% of people in ‘at risk’ groups under the age of 65 with long term illnesses, protected themselves.
Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford AM said it was vital that those most at risk of flu and its complications have the free vaccine.
He said: “Flu can be life threatening to people who are particularly at risk, and it continues to kill people every year. People can also pledge to beat flu by reminding eligible relatives and friends to get their flu vaccine this autumn.
“We run this programme to make sure this doesn’t happen unnecessarily, when flu can be prevented quickly and simply.”
Health and social care workers are also able to get the flu vaccine from their employers.
Each year the flu vaccine is changed to match any new circulating strains of the flu virus. Most free NHS flu vaccines are given in GP surgeries, but are also available in some community pharmacies.
The campaign is led by Public Health Wales and will be active from now until December.
Dr Richard Roberts, Head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme in Public Health Wales, said: “Each year the flu bugs circulating and causing people to be ill change, so even if you had the vaccine last year you must have it again now – because the old one will no longer protect you.
“Flu can’t usually be treated but it can be largely prevented through one simple vaccination, so make sure you beat flu before it beats you!”
Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by a virus that affects the lungs and airways. Symptoms generally come on suddenly, and can include fever, chills, headache, cough, body aches and fatigue.
The flu virus is spread via droplets which are sprayed into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Direct contact with contaminated hands or surfaces can also spread infection. It can spread rapidly, especially in closed communities such as hospitals, residential homes and schools.
Find out more by visiting www.beatflu.org or www.curwchffliw.org, or finding Beat Flu or Curwch Ffliw on Twitter and Facebook.