The importance of flu jabs

Now more than ever, we are aware of how quickly a virus can spread. This makes it even more important that we protect ourselves against the flu.

The elderly in particular should be protected, as they are some of the most vulnerable.

Am I eligible?

If you are 65-years-old or over (born on or before March 31, 1956), you are eligible for a free flu vaccination.

You are also eligible if you have certain health conditions or are in long-stay residential care. Those who receive a carer’s allowance and are the main carer for an older or disabled person can also receive the free jab.

The Welsh Health Minister, Vaughan Gething, has also announced that the free vaccination will be offered to those in the shielding group and the eligibility age will be lowered to 50.

If you are eligible, you will more than likely be contacted by your GP surgery in order to be booked in. If you believe you are eligible for a free vaccination, you should get in touch with your surgery, if you haven’t already heard from them.

Jabs are also available more widely at pharmacies for a fee, for those who are not eligible for a free one, but who would still like to protect themselves.

Why should I get a flu jab?

The most important reason for getting a flu jab is to help reduce the pressure on our NHS and social care staff. They are already under immense strain due to the pandemic and anything we can do to alleviate this, will help.

Health and social care workers are also eligible for an NHS flu jab to help protect them and others around them from catching the flu.

If you have recently been told to shield from the Coronavirus, you are also more at risk of problems from flu. If you were to contract Coronavirus at the same time as flu, you may become seriously ill.

Our service users’ and carers’ health are our top priorities so our carers get a flu jab to stop the spread of infection and as part of our care plans, service users will be reminded to get them too.

For more information on flu jabs, click here. There are lots of things you can do to help prevent coughs, colds and flu, as well as getting a jab. You can find out more about these here.