Winter is fast approaching and people are being urged to get their flu jab because cases are expected to soar.
Some members of the public are eligible to get the vaccine on the NHS for free. Those eligible for a free jab are being advised to take up the offer as soon as possible.
The UK Health Security Agency is warning the public to go sooner rather than later to prepare for "what could be a difficult winter with respiratory viruses circulating widely".
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In the year 2017/2018, 22,000 people in England died of influenza. This was the highest death toll in recent years. Around 2,000 of those who died were aged 60 and over.
Who is eligible for the free jab?
According to the NHS, the flu jab is being offered for free to adults who:
- are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2023)
- have certain health conditions
- are pregnant
- are in long-stay residential care
- receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
- live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system e.g. someone living with HIV or someone who has had a transplant.
- are frontline health workers
- are social care workers who cannot get the vaccine through an occupational health scheme at work
Serious long-term health conditions that make you eligible for the free flu vaccine include:
- respiratory conditions, such as asthma (needing a steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and bronchitis
- diabetes
- heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
- being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
- chronic kidney disease
- liver disease, such as hepatitis
- some neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsy
- a learning disability
- problems with your spleen like sickle cell disease, or if you've had your spleen removed
- a weakened immune system as a result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or taking medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
From mid-October, people aged 50 and over will be eligible for the free jab.
Where can you get the free jab?
The NHS flu vaccine can be given at:
- your GP surgery
- a pharmacy offering the service – if you're aged 18 or over.
- some maternity services if you're pregnant
The NHS advises that the best time to get your vaccine is autumn and early winter before the flu starts to spread.
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