Residents in the Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge area who are in one of the ‘at risk’ categories for flu are this week being urged to arrange their free flu vaccinations by contacting their GP surgery.

Anyone with a long term condition, even one that is well managed, and women who are pregnant, are at greater risk of severe complications if they catch the flu, say experts.

The free flu vaccination is the one of the most effective ways to reduce harm from flu and those who are eligible for free vaccinations are pregnant women, those aged 65 or over, those aged 6 months to under 65 in clinical risk groups (with a long term health condition), all 2, 3 and 4 year-olds, those in long-stay residential care homes, and carers.

Councillor Christine Lawrence, Chair of the Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board at Somerset County Council, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Don’t put off getting the flu vaccination. If you are eligible get it now. It’s free because you need it.”

Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Chairman, Dr Matthew Dolman, added: “If you are over 65, or have a long-term health condition like, diabetes, chronic lung or heart disease or if you are expecting a baby, it is vital to get your flu vaccination.”

“It will offer protection to you at the time of year when you are most vulnerable. Flu is not just a bad cold. Whilst you have it, it will knock you completely and utterly. But worse than that, it can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, or can make existing conditions worse.”

“In the worst cases, the flu can result in a stay in hospital, and it can even be a killer. I urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated against flu, as I will be doing.”

 
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