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Keep you and your loved ones safe—get the flu jab

06 October 2017

Hospital medics know and advise that the flu vaccine changes every year. It has to in order to fight changing flu strains.

Hospital medics know and advise that the flu vaccine changes every year. It has to in order to fight changing flu strains. Getting vaccinated is an act of responsibility to protect yourself and the ones you care about. Even if you had a flu shot last year, you still need to have another one this year.

While for the majority of the population, flu is not going to be more than an unpleasant episode in their lives, there are sections of our communities whose weakened immune systems, age, heart problems, those with underlying conditions, diabetics and pregnant women are at serious risk—and for whom catching flu could be life threatening.

There are many who are entitled to free vaccination and we cannot recommend strongly enough that they take up this offer. These include those who: 

  • are 65 years of age or over    
  • are pregnant  
  • have certain medical conditions  
  • are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility  
  • receive a carer's allowance, or you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill

Research clearly shows that pregnant women who are vaccinated are protecting not only themselves but also their baby for several months after birth. Young children, and in particular, those that are under 6 months are extremely vulnerable. Those who have the care of these young ones can and should protect themselves.

Vaccination goes hand in hand with preventative measures. These can be implemented by all of us—wash your hands regularly and wherever possible restrict your contact with anyone you know to be sick. If you are sick stay at home and avoid spreading germs at work and school.

Contributors
George Vasilopoulos