VULNERABLE patients are being urged to have a flu vaccine in the run up to winter.
With the Autumn Equinox now past and nights drawing in and days shortening, Nigel Sturrock, regional medical director at NHS England and NHS Improvement in the Midlands, said: “It’s important that we all remember that flu is still a killer despite the current pandemic.
“The flu vaccine is a lifesaver because flu is a highly contagious disease which for some people can lead to serious and sometimes life-threatening consequences.
“Flu kills more than 11,000 people every year, on average; but this is anything but an average year. The last six months have been really difficult with Covid-19.
“Patients with pre-existing health conditions were adversely affected with coronavirus and the same thing can happen with flu.
“So, if you have chest problems, if you have got diabetes and any condition where we are saying you will benefit from being protected from flu, it is in your interest to have that vaccine.
“I would urge parents to take their children to be vaccinated because this will be vital in protecting the whole family especially grandparents who may be vulnerable.”
And in a nod to the ‘anti-vax’ movement he added: “We recognise that many people have legitimate concerns about the jab and a number of myths have been circulating over the years.
“Many worry that the vaccine can give you the flu, but this isn’t possible as there is no live influenza virus in the vaccine.
“There is no need for anyone to worry about giving the vaccine to their children, or if they are pregnant, the vaccine affecting their baby.”
