Title: Flu jab uptake has dropped – do you need the vaccination?The Government is urging ‘at risk’ groups t

Flu jab uptake has dropped – do you need the vaccination?
The G overnment is urging ‘at risk’ groups to have the jab, but do you need it to battle the seasonal flu outbreak?

‘Tis the season for colds and flu. And with numbers of those having the flu jab to combat the season of ill health on the low side, the Government is encouraging at-risk groups to have the vaccination. But you don’t have to be at risk to benefit.ImageIf you're likely to be drowning in tisues come Christmas, you might want to look into the flu jab
Flu jabs have been available since September but so far around six per cent fewer pensioners and almost five per cent fewer people with chronic illnesses have opted for the jab than by this time last year, despite it being offered to them free of charge on the NHS.


Are you ‘at-risk’?At risk can mean that you’re more likely to catch flu, or it could be that the effects of flu would be worse for you because of other health factors.
At risk groups include pregnant women, the elderly - whose immune systems may not fight bugs as effectively as others - and those with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
But you don’t have to be at risk to benefit. If you’re the type of person who comes down with anything and everything going, a pre-emptive strike may help keep you off your sick bed and at work.
Healthy adults with no chronic illnesses are not offered the flu jab on the NHS but those aged 16+ are able to get vaccinated privately (for between £7 and £12) at pharmacies.
David Salisbury, Director of Immunisation, hammered home the seriousness of flu, saying: “You are eleven times more likely to die from flu if you are pregnant or have a serious health condition and each year thousands of people die after catching flu.
“That’s why we are reminding people who are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of flu to get the vaccine.”

If you’re not on the ‘at risk’ list, should you still have the flu jab?ImageFlu vaccinations are available on the NHS or at pharmaciesThe flu jab can benefit healthy adults, particularly if you’re a parent or work with children (who are notorious for coming down with nasty bugs), or if you care for or regularly visit elderly friends or relatives.
It may also have benefits for the general population.
“Having the flu can have a major impact on everyday life, including time off work. Commuters, parents with children and students often carry and spread the virus,” says Boots pharmacist, Angela Chalmers. “So if we vaccinate this population it may help reduce the incidence of winter flu.”
“This also helps protect the at-risk groups who may decide not to get vaccinated for reasons such as being worried about side effects or who find it difficult to get to the GP.”
From 2014, the Government plans to target children, who often fall prey to flu, with a nasal spray vaccine. But currently, unless kids also have a medical condition they are not offered an NHS flu jab.
For more information on at risk groups and details on getting the flu jab, head to our seasonal health section, where you can also find out how to boost your immune system for winter to avoid falling prey to the cold-weather lurgies.
If you have any long term health condition, speak to your GP as you may well be eligible for the flu jab on the NHS.

I've had my flu jab this year already, but I know some people can't have it.