Portsmouth health bosses urge people to get flu jab to protect themselves amid the coronavirus outbreak

The NHS has launched its largest flu campaign to help more people than ever get protected from the virus, and its potential long-term health complications, as it has added to the list of those eligible for free vaccinations, including school pupils in Year 7 and household contacts and carers of those on the NHS Shielded Patient List.

John Knighton, medical director at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, said: ‘Given the Covid-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever for anyone who can be vaccinated against the flu to take the time to do so.

‘Our staff are already stepping up to ensure they are vaccinated and able to play their role in reducing the spread of the flu virus this winter, however we would encourage the general public to also get behind the campaign.’

Flu is a highly infectious disease that infects the respiratory system, where it can lead to pneumonia and other complications, and strains of the virus change constantly.

Symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness.

Dr Zaid Hirmiz, a GP from Horndean Surgery, said: ‘This year will be the biggest flu vaccination campaign that we have embarked on yet.

‘We will be vaccinating more people than ever as we have expanded the groups of people eligible for the free flu jab. The flu vaccine may be given to 50 to 64-year-olds and more information will be available later in autumn.

‘Because we know we still have coronavirus in our community, some practices and pharmacies might be carrying out their vaccination clinics differently this year.

‘This could involve booked appointments, vaccinations in car parks or community buildings and separate clinic groups for our ‘at risk’ patients.

‘We know some people will be feeling anxious, worried or scared about having their vaccination, however it is far better to be protected from flu, than go without.’

SEE ALSO: Full list of schools with Covid-19 cases since the return to classroom

The NHS is aiming to vaccinate around 4.5 million people in the south east, a massive increase on 2.6 million last year.

Dominique Le Touze, public health consultant at Portsmouth City Council, added: ‘This year with both the flu virus and Covid-19 circulating, flu immunisation is more important than ever to reduce infections, protect each other and protect the NHS.

‘There is an expanded list of priority groups this year which includes offering the vaccine to children aged from two to 11. This will be offered in schools for children in Years R to 7 and we ask all parents to look out for the invitation.

‘For pre-school children from age two the vaccination will be available at your GP surgery. Children are offered a nasal vaccination.

‘We want to you to look after yourself and protect the NHS by having the flu jab.’

How to get a flu vaccination:

Visit your practice website or speak to your pharmacy about booking a test.

If you have a high temperature, new, continuous cough or a loss of taste and smell, then do not visit your GP practice or pharmacy. Please self-isolate and contact 119 or visit NHS.uk/coronavirus to book a coronavirus test.

If you test positive for coronavirus then please do not attend a flu clinic – contact them to rearrange your appointment.

Who can get a free flu vaccination:

- Anyone aged 65 and over

- pregnant women

- children and adults aged 6 months to 65 years with an underlying health condition

(such as long-term heart or respiratory disease, weakened immune system or have a

learning disability)

- children aged 2 and 3 on 31 August 2020

- children in primary school

- carers

- people living in long stay residential care homes

- frontline health or social care workers

This year it has also been expanded to people living with someone who is at high risk from coronavirus (on the NHS shielded patient list), children in year 7 and people aged 50 to 64 without a long-term condition (from November onwards if sufficient vaccine stock is available)

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