HEALTH and social care staff have launched a campaign calling on residents to take action to keep themselves and their families safe this flu season.
This comes following the low uptake of those getting the flu vaccine this year.
According to Solihull Hospital and Community Services the Queen Elizabeth, Heartlands, Solihull, Good Hope, Midland Metropolitan hospitals have nearly 150 inpatients with flu, and five in intensive care.
Data shows that in Birmingham and Solihull only a quarter of two and three-year-olds, less than one in three pregnant women and only 59 per cent of over 65-year-olds have been vaccinated.
The two short videos tell the distressing story of a mum choosing a hair appointment over her flu jab, and a young man with asthma, choosing football over vaccination – both with fatal consequences, both based on real-life patient cases.
As well as the videos, adverts have gone live on high streets throughout East Birmingham, where uptake is particularly low, encouraging eligible patients to come forward for their vaccination.
Dr Aftab Arif, GP at Hall Green Health, said: “Flu can be a serious illness which leads to severe, life-limiting or even life-threatening complications for some patients.
“It’s absolutely vital as many people as possible get their vaccination to protect not only themselves, but their loved ones and those around them too.
“The virus is circulating early this year, and we’re already seeing huge numbers of patients contacting their GP and going to hospital for what is an avoidable illness.”
Margaret Garbett, chief nurse at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We really need to take flu seriously. It is not just a cold – it can be life-threatening for many people. It’s not too late to get your jab this year.”
Residents are strongly encouraged to go to a local pharmacy or their GP practice as soon as possible.
To book a flu vaccine click here or contact your GP.
