People with long-term conditions focus of new flu jab campaign

People with long-term health conditions are being encouraged to visit their GP practice or local pharmacy to get vaccinated against flu, as health officials warn of early increases in seasonal virus infections.

A government campaign urges those most at risk to book their flu jab and protect themselves from the worst effects of the virus this winter. The campaign – featuring imagery of suits of armour – carries the message of ‘stay strong, get vaccinated’.

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People with conditions including heart, kidney and lung disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, neurological conditions and immunosuppression are targeted.

The campaign launch comes as the NHS steps up winter preparations. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that flu vaccination is estimated to have prevented around 100,000 hospitalisations in England last winter.

Despite this, however, more than 300,000 hospital bed days were taken up by patients with flu.

Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, said: ‘People with long-term health conditions are particularly vulnerable to flu, which can have a serious impact on their health, so we’d urge those people to book their jabs now and make sure they’re protected.’

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She added that ‘seasonal viruses including flu are beginning to increase’, and stressed that people can book their vaccination at their local GP practice, pharmacy, school or other community clinic.

The UKHSA has also issued a call for eligible groups to take up winter vaccinations.

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A new pilot has seen around 4,000 community pharmacies signed up to deliver flu vaccines to two- and three-year-olds, with the service running from the start of this month.

This article was first published by our sister title The Pharmacist