Health leaders in mid and south Essex are urging people aged 18 to 50 with long-term health conditions to get their free NHS flu vaccination, as the NHS prepares for a severe flu season.
Last year, there were almost 2,000 flu-related hospital admissions across mid and south Essex – and the majority of those admitted had not been vaccinated.
Flu isn’t something that only affects older people. Health experts are asking younger adults with conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, COPD, or a weakened immune system to come forward for their free vaccination as they are at serious risk of becoming very unwell with flu.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against serious illness. The flu jab can reduce the risk of hospitalisation by almost 50% in otherwise healthy adults – and even more for those living with long-term conditions.
Flu vaccines are offered for free on the NHS to those most at risk. They can book an appointment with their GP practice or local pharmacy, either directly or via the national booking service.
Flu doesn’t care about age. Every winter, we see people in their 20s, 30s and 40s being admitted to hospital with flu – often those with long-term conditions that make them more vulnerable to serious illness.
Dr Matthew Sweeting, Executive Medical Director for NHS Mid and South Essex
If you are living with a long-term health condition, please come forward for your vaccination. It’s free, quick, and one of the simplest ways to protect yourself, your loved ones, colleagues and wider community this winter.
Clare from Southend is 47 and lives with asthma and Crohn’s disease, as well as other long-term conditions. Every year she makes sure to get her flu vaccine.
I’ve been having the flu jab for as long as I can remember. With my health conditions, it’s vital. But even without them, the more people who have it, the more we limit the spread and reduce the risk to others. It’s not just about me – it’s about everyone.
Flu is not fun. You can’t know if you’ll have a mild response or one that knocks you out for two weeks. I’ve had both, and when it’s bad, it can lead to further complications. It’s really not worth the risk.
Clare from Southend
For Clare, vaccination is about community protection and fairness.
I think everyone who can should get the flu jab to help reduce the spread and protect those who can’t be vaccinated. Flu doesn’t discriminate – you can get very sick whatever age you are. Because there are different strains every year, you never know how it will affect you.
Clare from Southend
Those eligible for a free NHS flu jab include people aged 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions, pregnant women, carers, and frontline health and social care staff.
In mid and south Essex, eligible people can book a vaccination through their GP practice, local pharmacy, or at one of the region’s community vaccination clinics.
You can access more information on recommended vaccinations at nhs.uk/vaccinations.
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