NHS West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is encouraging people to get their flu jab and protect themselves this winter, if they have not already done so.

Dr Rob Gerlis, Chair of West Essex CCG and Harlow GP said, “Despite the mild weather we are currently experiencing, there is still a chance we may have a cold snap. If you are eligible for a free jab we would encourage you to see your GP or pharmacist to prevent you being vulnerable in an outbreak.

“Flu is unpleasant illness that can affect anyone of all ages, but is especially dangerous to older people, those with an underlying condition and pregnant woman. You are more likely to become seriously ill and have complications like pneumonia or make an existing condition worse if you catch it. This may result in an unwanted hospital stay and can even be fatal.”

The flu vaccination is the best possible protection against the flu virus during the autumn and winter months when you’re more likely to suffer complications if you contract flu. Even if you’ve had the vaccination before it’s important to get it again because the type of virus in circulation changes every year and so the vaccine changes too.

Speak to your GP practice now to book an appointment.
Flu vaccinations are currently offered free of charge to the following ‘at-risk’ groups:

those aged 65 years and over
those aged six months to under 65 with a serious medical condition, such as:
chronic (long-term) respiratory disease, such as severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchitis
chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
chronic kidney disease at stage three, four or 5
chronic liver disease
chronic neurological disease, such as Parkinson’s disease or motor neurone disease
diabetes
splenic dysfunction
a weakened immune system due to disease (such as HIV/AIDS) or treatment (such as cancer treatment)
pregnant women
all two, three and four-year-olds (on 31 August 2015)
all children of school years 1 and 2 age:
Year 1 school age: 5 year olds, rising to 6 year olds (ie date of birth between 1 September 2009 and on or before 31 August 2010)
Year 2 school age: 6 year olds, rising to 7 years olds (ie date of birth between 1 September 2008 and on or before 31 August 2009)
primary school-aged children in areas that previously participated in primary school pilots in 2014/15
those in long-stay residential care homes
carers