Graham, Tom and Ian

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Stockport residents urged to get flu vaccination

by Lib Dem team on 23 December, 2014

Stockport residents are being encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu, following recent reports of outbreak cases across Wales.

Stockport Council, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group, want to remind everyone that influenza viruses circulate and spread quickly within the community at this time of year.

Children who were aged 2, 3 or 4 years on 1st September 2014 can be protected with the nasal influenza vaccine that is available free through GPs. The nasal flu vaccine is painless and simple to administer – there is no injection.

Additionally, around 1 in 4 Stockport residents fall into an ‘at-risk’ group and could suffer serious health problems if they became ill with flu.

As well as the over 65s and all pregnant women, anyone aged 6 months to 64 with any of the following medical problems should have their free flu vaccination:

  • Chronic lung disease like asthma or cystic fibrosis
  • Chronic heart disease
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Chronic neurological disease for example if you’ve suffered a stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Immunosupression due to treatments like chemotherapy

Councillor John Pantall, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Health and Well Being, said: “To avoid outbreaks of flu across Stockport, we are urging individuals eligible for a free NHS flu jab to protect themselves against this unpleasant illness, which could become life threatening to those in at-risk groups.

“Although, many people in the ‘at-risk’ groups have already had their flu jabs, some people assume that because the past two winters have seen fewer flu cases they forget that this is not a reduction in the risk. The flu jab is very safe – it has been used by millions around the world – highly effective and will protect you against all the types of flu that may be around.”

Individuals in ‘at-risk’ groups can get a FREE flu jab from their GP practice. For further information about the flu vaccine and for a list of the other at-risk groups that are recommended to have the vaccine visit www.stockport.gov.uk/fluvaccinations.

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