Residents urged to get flu vaccinations

Seasonal flu vaccinations will be available at GP practices across Berkshire from October 1

WEST Berkshire residents with long-term medical conditions are being urged to get a flu vaccination this year.

From Saturday (October 1), GP practices in Berkshire will be offering seasonal flu vaccinations and NHS Berkshire West (PCT) is urging a wide variety of people to get the vaccination.

The PCT has said that people with long-term medical conditions are more at risk from flu, including people with chronic liver or kidney disease, neurological conditions, a weakened immune system due to disease or treatment, respiratory diseases, chronic heart disease and diabetes.

People over the age of 65 are also being encouraged to get a vaccination, while pregnant women are being told that they should have it as they are at increased risk of severe disease and admission to hospital if they catch flu.

The PCT adds that the vaccine is safe for both mother and child anytime during pregnancy, and can help protect babies after birth.

Director of public health at NHS Berkshire West, Janet Maxwell, said: “We would encourage everyone in the risk groups to contact their GP practice for details of their seasonal flu vaccination programme.

“These people are at higher risk from flu which can result in serious complications, hospital admission or more devastating consequences - this risk can be reduced dramatically by having the vaccine.

“GPs also routinely offer flu jabs to patients aged 65 and over.”

Last year in Berkshire West, the vaccination uptake among patients aged 65 and over reached 75 per cent - higher than the national average.

Patients with diabetes also responded well and uptake was over 70 per cent, while the uptake for people with other long term conditions and considered at risk was 51.4 per cent.

Pregnant women outside the clinical risk groups were also included in the UK seasonal flu immunisation programme last year for the first time and the uptake in this group in Berkshire West was 43.2 per cent, which was also higher than the national average.

NHS Berkshire West has recorded a video explaining who should have the vaccination and for more information, click on the link below.