LOCAL family doctors are encouraging all those who are eligible to make sure they take up their free flu vaccination.
The plea comes as the NHS faces additional pressure from coronavirus leading GPs at NHS Birmingham & Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group calling on residents to ensure this winter people don’t put themselves or their loved ones at unnecessary risk.
“During lockdown we clapped for our carers; now our NHS heroes need our help again to make sure there’s no further strain on our much needed services over flu season,” said a spokesperson.
“We can help ease pressure by making sure that everyone who needs one gets a free flu vaccination.
“With uncertainty around how Covid-19 will affect us over the coming months, getting the flu jab could actually help save a life – Public Health England found that people who became infected with Covid-19 and the flu and the same time were twice as likely to die.
“For most the flu is a minor setback, but for many at-risk groups it could cause much more complex health problems.”
For those not eligible for a free flu jab they’re still available for people over the age of 18 for around £12.99.
The at risk groups that qualify for a free flu vaccination include:
all children aged two to 11
those in clinical risk groups
pregnant women
people aged 50 years and over
those in long-stay residential care homes
carers
close contacts of immuno-compromised individuals
frontline health and social care workers
GP practices in Birmingham and Solihull will be contacting eligible individuals throughout November and into December.
