Devon residents urged to get flu jab
Devon residents susceptible to the effects of flu because they have long term health conditions, are pregnant, 65 or over or live or work in a care home are being reminded to get their annual vaccination to protect them against the illness this winter.
Flu can be a serious illness, particularly for those in the ‘at risk’ groups, so Devon County Council’s Public Health team is reminding everyone who is eligible for vaccination to get their free flu jab from their GP early in the season. The vaccination is the most effective form of protection against flu.
Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing and Chairman of Devon’s Health and Wellbeing Board, Cllr Andrea Davis, said: “I am in full support of these vaccinations. After experiencing flu a few years ago, I personally know how unwell you can feel. I will ensure all eligible members of my family have their flu jab this year, and I would strongly encourage others to do the same.”
Flu occurs every year, usually in winter, and is highly infectious, with symptoms that come on very quickly. Common symptoms of flu are fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness. People in the risk groups are more susceptible to complications, which can lead to hospitalisation or many weeks off work.
People eligible for a free flu vaccination are those who have a long-term health condition*; are pregnant; are 65 or over; aged 2-4 years (nasal spray vaccine), live in a care home; or are a carer.
Becky Devereux, 39, volunteers at Westbank Day Centre in Exminster. Becky said: “I make sure I get my flu vaccination every year, to protect myself and the people around me. I am asthmatic, and I look after my husband who is a kidney patient and has diabetes – we both know how serious flu could be for us if we came down with it. I also work with older people in my volunteering role so I want to protect them too.”
The vaccine works by stimulating your immune system, so it can recognise and fight off the flu virus if you come into contact with it later. There are some fairly common but mild side effects, but the vaccine doesn’t give you even a mild dose of flu, as it doesn’t contain the active virus.
Dr Mark Sanford-Wood, a Devon GP and British Medical Association (BMA) spokesman, said: “It’s really important that people who are in the eligible groups take up the offer of the free flu vaccination, even if they feel healthy. It’s quick, easy, and safe. The effects of flu can be much more serious than people think, and vaccination is the best form of protection against the risk.”
Devon County Council recognises the serious impact that flu can have on its staff, particularly those who work in front line social care, and has mounted an internal drive to encourage these staff to get their flu jabs.
Reablement Team Leader, Jill Johnson features in the staff campaign and works directly with vulnerable older people, many who are just coming out of hospital. She supports them at home enabling them to get back on their feet and regain their strength and independence.
Professionally, Jill realises the importance of being well at work in a job that she loves and on a personal level visiting her elderly frail father gave her another incentive to be well. Jill also knows first-hand what it is like to be struck down with flu (twice!) and never wants to be that ill again. Recounting her experience of the vaccine, she said:
“I had no ill effects from having the jab, not even a sore arm. The site of the injection was a bit ‘hot’ for an hour or two but it was over and done with in a second.”
“I will be encouraging colleagues to have the jab as they all meet vulnerable and frail clients so it’s very much about taking responsibility for ourselves, and reducing the risk to our clients.”
Visit your GP now or visit nhs.uk/flu for more information
