Sefton flu jab numbers hit 34,000

MORE than 34,000 people in Sefton have been vaccinated against flu this winter.But the local NHS body is reminding people who haven’t yet been vaccinated to make an appointment with their GP.People who have had letters asking them to come forward for the jab are being encouraged to do so.


Hannah Chellaswamy, Sefton’s acting director of public health, said: “The cold weather lowers immunity so, as winter sets in, we are likely to see more people getting sick from the flu.

“The flu jab very safe and is the best way to protect yourself against the flu.We are reminding people that it is not too late to protect yourself by making an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.”

If you have an underlying medical condition (whatever age), are pregnant or are 65 or over – even if you feel healthy – you will be eligible for a free flu jab.

It is not just adults who need to protect themselves – children with underlying medical conditions, or who have previously been admitted to hospital with a chest complaint, should also receive the vaccination.

Dr Kieran Murphy has been a family doctor for more than 20 years. Every winter he treats scores of people who he said needlessly suffer the serious effects of flu.

He said: “Many people underestimate just how dangerous flu can be. It is not the same as having a nasty cold.

“The symptoms can be serious, especially for those people who are at greater risk of suffering complications of flu, like pneumonia.

“I see many cases like this every year, which could have been prevented if people had taken up the offer of a flu jab at their doctor’s surgery.

“It is the best and safest way to protect yourself and those around you from the serious effects of flu.

“It is free for everyone aged 65 and over, or anyone of any age with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, multiple sclerosis, serious kidney and liver disease.

“It is also very important that pregnant women get a flu jab this winter.”