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Seasonal
Flu Jab urged for vulnerable people
Public health officials
at NHS Devon have reminded at-risk groups not to forget to have a free
seasonal flu vaccination at their GP surgery. But they stressed that the
seasonal flu jab will not protect people against the common cold, other
winter viruses or swine flu.
People who are over 65, live in a residential or nursing home, or have
a chronic illness such as diabetes, heart disease or other long-term condition,
could be at risk of serious illnesses, such as bronchitis and pneumonia,
if they catch seasonal flu. Carers are also eligible for the seasonal
flu jab so that they stay healthy to continue to help those they look
after.
Tracy Fabiano, immunisation coordinator for NHS Devon, said: "Anyone
who has underlying health conditions or is over 65 should make an appointment
with their GP to have their seasonal flu jab, even if they are feeling
healthy."
The Influenza vaccination is an annual vaccination programme and is available
to people over 65 and those over 6 months in one of the following clinical
risk groups:
opeople with a heart problem
opeople with a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including bronchitis
and emphysema
of people with kidney disease
of people with lowered immunity due to disease of treatment (such as steroid
medication or cancer treatment)
of people with a liver disease
of people that have had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
of people with diabetes
of people with a neurologic condition such as multiple sclerosis (MS)
or cerebral palsy
of people that have a problem with, or the removal of the spleen, for
example sickle cell disease
of poultry workers.
With the winter season approaching we urge eligible individuals to take
up this important vaccine.
For more information please contact Paul Hopkins on 01392 267 647 or 0797
133 0491
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