Winter flu vaccinations available

November 13, 2018 by Southend Borough Council

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is reminding residents of the importance of the seasonal flu vaccination and that eligible residents can get a FREE flu jab through the NHS.

The NHS is working hard to ensure that everyone who is eligible to receive the jab can receive this important health intervention, and the council is urging anyone who has not yet had the jab to head down to their local GP or pharmacy to get it done. It takes a matter seconds to get done, and can prove life-saving in certain cases.

Depending on the individual, the flu virus can vary in severity, producing mild illness in some people, to potential fatality in others. With it being difficult to predict the severity of individual cases, it is important to get the vaccination done early to reduce any potential risks. Those most vulnerable to the flu virus are pregnant women, elderly residents and people with underlying health conditions.

The flu vaccine is provided free of charge by the NHS for people who are:

•       65 years of age or over (if you were born on or before 31 March 1954),

•       Over 6 months of age and with a long term health condition,

•       Aged 2 to 3 (born between 1 September 2014 and 31 August 2018),

•       In school reception class or school years 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5,

•       Pregnant,

•       With certain medical conditions,

•       Living in a residential care home, or other long stay care facility,

•       Receiving a carer’s allowance

The vaccine is delivered through an injection except for children between the ages of two and 17 who have a nasal spray instead.

Cllr Lesley Salter, cabinet member for healthy communities and wellbeing, said: “The flu virus is very common and even if you think you have already had the flu, it is important to get the vaccination as there is more than one strain of the virus. 

“I would urge anyone who is yet to receive their vaccination to do so, especially those at a greater risk.”

If you would like to receive your vaccination, or have any other questions about the vaccination or the virus, please visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/