RESIDENTS across the borough who are eligible are being urged to have a flu jab before winter arrives.
On Thursday Redditch MP Rachel Maclean had hers during a visit to Redditch pharmaceutical distribution giant Lexon to mark the company’s 25th birthday.
The firm offers a free flu jab to all its employees and Mrs Maclean was at pains to stress its importance.
“It’s important everyone gets their flu jab, especially if you are in one of the vulnerable groups,” she said.
“I’m in contact with lots of different people on a daily basis and so I thought it was important to have one.
“We are in the middle of a pandemic and although the flu jab won’t protect you from coronavirus, it’s another weapon in keeping you healthy which is an important line of defence.”
Scientists say they are expecting a surge in Covid-19 cases this autumn/winter period when the flu season peaks and as a result this year’s free flu vaccine will be offered to more people than before to help protect communities:
Those eligible for a free jab include those:
Aged 65 or over
Pregnant women
All adults and children (from the age of six months) with chronic conditions such as COPD and diabetes, and others that affect a range of body systems
Any child from the age of two, through to Year 7 school age
Carers and those working in health and social care
People who were required to shield from coronavirus and anyone they live with
Later in the year people aged between 50 and 64 will also be included
GPs or the school immunisation and vaccination service will shortly be in touch with people who fall into these categories to get their jabs booked in. Many pharmacies will also be offering free flu vaccines.
Only 70 per cent of over 65s and less than half of those with chronic health conditions had the flu vaccination last year, both groups being at higher risk of complications from both flu and Covid-19