People aged 65 and over in Wales are being urged to get their free NHS flu vaccine. Vaccination is the best way to protect against this potentially serious illness.
Public Health Wales is reminding people aged 65 and over that they are more at risk of complications if they catch influenza (flu) than the general population. Flu can be a serious illness, leading to complications like pneumonia, and every year people in Wales end up in hospital or intensive care units with flu. What’s more, last year, more than half of all confirmed cases of influenza in hospitals in Wales were in people aged 65 and over.
Latest vaccine uptake data shows that many older people in Wales – just over half of those aged 65 and over - have already had their flu vaccine this year. But those who haven’t had the vaccine yet this winter remain at risk, and are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible for the best protection.
Angharad Phillips of national charity Age Cymru urges people to listen to the experts, and added: “Influenza is still a very real health risk to us all, but especially for those of us who are older. This is why the NHS funds people aged 65 and older to have a flu vaccination every year.
“As we age our immune system becomes less efficient at protecting us and so we should take every precaution we can against a disease that often causes horrendous complications, and can prove fatal to older people, particularly those that have pre-existing health conditions.
“Flu vaccine is the best protection we currently have against flu, and those aged 65 or over should protect themselves with a free NHS flu vaccine.
“At Age Cymru we promote uptake of the free flu vaccine every year as part of our own winter health and resilience campaign. We ask that people ‘Spread The Warmth’ to older people and not the flu! Get protected and protect others at the same time.”
Most NHS flu vaccines are given in GP surgeries, but the vaccination is also widely available for adults in many community pharmacies across Wales.
Ann Williams from Llanfyllin, and Chair of Llanfyllin Medical Practice Patient Participation Group, has added her support to this year’s campaign:
"I have had my free annual flu vaccination and I would encourage everyone over 65 to do the same. As we get older our immune system may not work as well, which makes older people more at risk of serious illness if they get flu. Everyone aged 65 and over can have a free annual flu vaccination from their GP Practice and from participating pharmacies."
Former Welsh rugby star Phil Bennett echoes the professionals’ calls: “If you’re 65 or over like me, I would encourage you to have your flu vaccination as soon as possible. It’s very straightforward, takes a few minutes but lasts for months and gives you important protection from a potentially debilitating illness. Most GP surgeries hold regular flu clinics so it’s just a matter of checking when the clinics are and getting it done – it couldn’t be easier.”
The influenza virus is spread 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. The virus can spread rapidly, especially in closed communities such as hospitals, residential homes and schools.
Find out more by visiting www.beatflu.org or www.curwchffliw.org or finding Beat Flu or Curwch Ffliw on Twitter and Facebook.
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