Wickford mum and asthma sufferer Hayley Pearson, 40, knows how important it is to protect herself and her family from flu.
Hayley lives with asthma, which means she’s more likely to become seriously unwell if she catches flu. That’s why she makes sure to get her NHS flu vaccination every year – and ensures her young daughter does too.
“To me, having the flu jab each year is a no-brainer,” said Hayley. “I’m a busy mum with a demanding job, so when I can do something to prevent getting ill, I will. Having asthma means I’m at greater risk of getting very unwell if I contract flu, and I don’t want to pass the virus on to my family or colleagues.”
Hayley received her flu jab this year through her workplace but says she could just as easily have had it at her GP surgery or local pharmacy. She’s been getting vaccinated for as long as she can remember.
As someone who works in the NHS, Hayley sees the impact that flu has on local hospitals and communities each winter.
“I think it just makes sense to protect yourself and those around you,” she said. “Flu can spread quickly, and every winter we see the impact it has on patients and staff. I’d encourage anyone who is eligible to get their jab as soon as possible.”
Hayley also wants to challenge the misconception that the flu vaccine is only for older people.
“If you’re eligible for the vaccine because you have a long-term health condition, that means you’ve already been identified as higher risk. You might feel fit and well but getting flu could really set you back or trigger something more serious.”
For Hayley, protecting herself through vaccination is about staying well for the people who rely on her – both at home and at work.
“Getting vaccinated helps me stay well for my family, my colleagues and the people we care for.”
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