People with long term health conditions are urged to get the flu vaccine now

Health experts and charities in Powys and across Wales are this week urging people with long term health conditions, in particular chronic liver and respiratory conditions, to get protected against flu.

Those suffering from liver or respiratory problems are at a higher risk of becoming very ill with flu than the general population – that’s why it is important for them to have the vaccination.

Last year, less than 50% of people with chronic respiratory and liver conditions in Wales had the flu vaccine, which falls short of the Welsh Government’s 75% target uptake.

People with chronic liver disease were the least likely group to be vaccinated against flu – with just 42% having the vaccine.

Alison Merry, Consultant in Public Health at Powys Teaching Health Board, said, “If you have a long-term medical condition catching the flu could make you very ill and more likely to develop serious complications like pneumonia. 

“At this time of year flu bugs are starting to circulate so it’s really important to get yourself protected by having the flu jab as soon as you can.  It’s free for anyone with a medical condition that puts them at higher risk from flu such as conditions affecting the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, nervous system and immune system. 

“Contact your GP surgery to make an appointment and don’t forget that you need to have the flu jab every year to stay protected.”

 

Head of the British Lung Foundation in Wales, Joseph Carter, agrees that those suffering with long term respiratory conditions should pay particular care this winter and avoid catching flu by getting the vaccine as soon as possible.

He said, “It is important that the flu campaign reaches as many vulnerable and ‘at-risk’ people as possible because flu can cause serious complications and even lead to death.

“There are 186,000 people in Wales suffering from chronic respiratory health conditions like emphysema, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other lung conditions. I urge them to get the vaccination to help reduce both the likelihood of getting flu and the chances of flu making their health condition worse.

The vaccine is available free on the NHS for all those with chronic liver disease, and chronic lung conditions, which includes those with asthma that require continuous or repeated use of inhaled steroids, or steroid tablets/medicine.

It is also available for people with other long term health conditions where there is an increased risk of complications if someone catches flu including diabetes, heart and kidney disease, and certain neurological conditions such as stroke.

Andrew Langford, Chief Executive of the British Liver Trust agrees with the call to action.

He said, “People with liver disease are more vulnerable to infections, and if they do get an illness, are more likely to become severely ill. As a result it is really important to keep up-to-date with vaccinations. Flu can be very serious for those at risk, so take up your GP’s offer of a vaccination and be protected this winter.”

Flu vaccination remains the single best way to protect against flu, and can be given to those in risk groups from 6 months of age. For children from the age of 2 it is a nasal spray vaccine.

The annual flu vaccination programme aims to ensure that the people who need it most get free protection each year against flu. This includes pregnant women, those aged 65 and over and children aged two to six.

All children aged two and three years old on 31 August 2015, and children in reception class, year one and year two in school (generally aged 4 - 6 years old) are also being offered protection with a nasal spray flu vaccine. The two and three year olds will have their nasal spray vaccine at their GP surgery and children in reception class, year one and year two will be offered the their nasal spray vaccine at school.

It is also available for carers who should get the vaccine to protect themselves and the person they care for. People employed to give frontline health or social care should also be vaccinated, and should talk to their employer about getting the vaccine as part of their occupational health protection.

The flu virus spreads easily via droplets which are sprayed into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Direct contact with contaminated hands or surfaces can also spread infection. It can spread rapidly, especially in closed communities such as hospitals, residential homes and schools.

If in doubt as to whether you are in a risk group, check with your GP surgery or community pharmacy. The vaccination is also available in many community pharmacies in Wales this year.

You can find out more about how to get your NHS vaccine by visiting www.beatflu.org or www.curwchffliw.org.