Fight against flu is in full swing

The campaign to get eligible groups across Wales protected from flu this winter is in full swing.

Last month we shared the news that Welshpool’s medical centre was opening its doors on Saturdays to appointments during October, and now the message has been spread across Powys to ‘beat flu’.

The campaign aims to ensure that the people who need it most get protection. 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 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.

Dr Catherine Woodward, Director of Public Health for Powys teaching Health Board is urging all those who are eligible to have the flu jab.

She said: “Flu is a serious illness which can easily spread to those who are at risk of serious complications, such as older people and those with long term health conditions.

“Last year over two thirds (68.3%) of those aged 65 or over had their vaccination across Wales but only half (51.1%) of people in ‘at risk’ groups under the age of 65 with long term illnesses, protected themselves.”

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.

Find out more by visiting www.beatflu.org or www.curwchffliw.org , or finding Beat Flu or Curwch Ffliw on Twitter and Facebook.

Also contact your local medical centre to book your spot.