Dudley’s story – ‘Having flu while my partner was pregnant made me realise how dangerous it can be’

For 42-year-old Dudley, getting the flu jab is about more than protecting his own health – it’s about protecting the people he cares about.

Dudley admits that his attitude to vaccination hasn’t always been consistent. But an experience last year completely changed his perspective.

“I’ve had flu in the past, most recently in the latter stages of my partner’s pregnancy,” Dudley explained. “It really brought home how debilitating and dangerous it can be. It’s not just ‘a bad cold’ – it completely knocks you off your feet. That experience reinforced how important it is to take prevention seriously.”

Now, Dudley makes a point of getting vaccinated every year and encourages others to do the same.

“I think it’s important to educate ourselves about vaccination because I’ve seen first-hand how valuable it is in protecting not only ourselves but also those around us,” he said. “I have close family members with health conditions that place them at higher risk from flu. By being vaccinated, we’re helping to protect them – and that means a lot to me. It’s a small action that can make a big difference.”

For Dudley, flu vaccination is about more than personal health – it’s about collective wellbeing.

“The flu jab is one of the simplest ways we can protect ourselves, our colleagues and our loved ones,” he added. “It helps reduce the strain on healthcare services and keeps our communities healthier through the winter months.”

He also wants to challenge the idea that flu only affects older people.

“Flu doesn’t discriminate by age,” said Dudley. “Even if you’re generally healthy, you can still catch it and pass it on to someone more vulnerable. Getting vaccinated is about looking out for each other – it’s an act of care and responsibility.”