Deputy Minister Urges People To Get Their Flu Jab At The Local GP Surgery, Wales

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Also Included In: Respiratory / Asthma;  Seniors / Aging
Article Date: 21 Oct 2008 - 1:00 PST

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Simple, quick injection can help protect people's health this winter. People who are 65 and over and those who are younger but with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart disease are being urged to get their annual flu injection at their local GP surgery to protect their health this winter.

Despite an increase in the uptake of the flu jab in recent years, there was a fall last year [2007/08] to an average of 64 per cent in the over 65 age group from 68 per cent in 2005/6.

In the at risk groups under 65, uptake varied from 63 per cent in those with diabetes to 27 per cent among people with neurological conditions but overall more people in this age group are getting their injection - 42 per cent in 2007/08 compared with almost 28 per cent in 2005/06.

The national target is 70 per cent for all age groups.

The annual seasonal flu vaccination programme is part of the Welsh Assembly Government's Keep Well This Winter campaign, which provides advice and support to people aged 65 and over to help them stay fit and healthy during the winter months.

The Deputy Minister for Social Services, Gwenda Thomas, who has turned 66 this year, stressed the importance of getting the flu vaccination.

Mrs Thomas said: "Flu vaccination is the simplest and most effective way of protecting the health of older people and those in at risk groups.

"Flu can be a dangerous virus, resulting in a person being admitted to hospital or even dying in the most severe cases among vulnerable people. That's why the Welsh Assembly Government provides free flu jabs for people aged 65 and over, and for younger people at risk because of certain medical conditions.

"It is simple to book an injection and only takes a few minutes. It is important if you are over 65 like me, or if you have a chronic condition, to contact your GP to see when the flu vaccination sessions are taking place, or when you can have your injection."

Dr Tony Jewell, Chief Medical Officer for Wales, added: "Flu can make you very ill indeed and can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia. Fortunately, the risk from flu is reduced by routine vaccination.

"Everyone aged 65 and over should contact their local GP surgery to arrange their flu jab. All those others who are younger but with conditions such as heart or lung disease, making them eligible, should book in for their flu jab before the winter gets underway as January is the most common time for seasonal flu.

"As well as the flu jab, we are reminding people that if they do have a cold or flu they can take simple steps to reduce the risk of spread. Our campaign 'coughs and sneezes spread diseases' highlights the simple common sense things people can do, such as the importance of using a tissue if they cough or sneeze and to then throw it away and the need to thoroughly wash their hands with soap and hot water."

-- Keep Well This Winter reminds people to take simple steps to improve their health and well being, such as having the seasonal flu vaccination, eating healthily, and ensuring their homes are warm and safe.

-- More information on Keep Well This Winter at http://www.kwtw.org.uk

-- The campaign is part of the Welsh Assembly Government's response to Health Challenge Wales, the national focus for action to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Wales. More information on this, can be found at: http:// www.wales.gov.uk/healthchallenge

-- People in the 'at risk' category include those with: a chronic heart or chest complaint, including asthma; chronic kidney disease; diabetes; lowered immunity due to disease or treatment, such as steroid medication or cancer treatment; and other serious medical condition - people should check with their doctor if they are unsure.

-- Information on the Coughs and Sneezes Spreads Diseases campaign can be found here.

-- There are a number of simple steps to take to ensure that asthma is kept under control:

- Keep taking your regular medication as prescribed by your doctor
- If you know that cold air triggers your asthma, take a couple of puffs of your reliever inhaler before going outside. Wrap up well and wear a scarf over your nose and mouth - this will help to warm up the air before you breathe it in
- Take extra care when exercising in cold weather. Warm up for 10 - 15 minutes and take a couple of puffs of your reliever inhaler before you start
- Be sensible - if cold air triggers your asthma, it's probably best not to try that cross country run when it's chilly outside

Welsh Assembly Government

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