RESIDENTS eligible for a flu jab are being urged to get them “as soon as possible” in preparation for the roll out of the Covid-19 vaccine.

GP surgeries and pharmacies across St Helens have been working hard to vaccinate residents as part of the biggest flu programme in UK history.

The flu virus kills 11,000 people and hospitalises tens of thousands more in England in an average year.

In the week the Covid-19 vaccine has been approved, health organisations across the borough are reminding residents it is not too late to get your flu jab.

St Helens Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) set up a task force earlier this month to prepare for the Covid-19 vaccination rollo out.

Part of this work is ensuring everyone who is eligible for a flu vaccination receives one.

One of the new groups who are eligible for the free flu vaccine this year are people aged 50 to 64, who are now being invited to have their vaccination.

“We want to make sure that all our flu vaccinations have been done before we start to take on the next big challenge of giving our patients the new Covid-19 vaccine,” Dr Hilary Flett, a local GP and governing body member for St Helens CCG.

“Once we start rolling out the Covid-19 vaccine the NHS is going to be really busy and it’s going to be harder to fit you in to get your flu vaccination so please help us help you and get in touch with your GP practice to book your free flu jab today.

“For the first time 50 to 64-year-olds are being offered the free flu vaccine, I’d really like to encourage these people to take up this offer.

“We’ve seen a great uptake this year, so I’d like to say a massive, big thank you to everyone who has had the flu vaccination so far.”

If you are eligible for a free flu vaccine, all you need to do is contact your GP practice to arrange an appointment.

People eligible for a free flu vaccination are:

  • Those who are 50 and over (including those who will be 50 by March 31, 2021)
  • people who have certain health conditions
  • pregnant women
  • people who are in long-stay residential care
  • those who receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
  • people who live with someone who’s at high risk from coronavirus (on the clinically extremely vulnerable patient list)
  • frontline health and social care workers
  • children aged 2 – 3 years on August 31, 2020
  • all primary school and year 7 children
  • children aged 2 to 17 years with long-term health conditions.

St Helens Star:

Cllr Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council’s cabinet member for public health, leisure, libraries and heritage, added: “The flu should not be underestimated, it can be fatal and can cause severe complications particularly for people with existing health conditions.

“Having the flu vaccine is the single best way to keep you safe and to reduce pressure on the NHS and social care staff who are already dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

“Good hand hygiene is also important in stopping the spread of flu. Catch any coughs and sneezes in a tissue, throw it away and wash your hands - catch it, kill it, bin it.”

For more information or to check whether you are eligible for a free vaccine, click here. 

For more information about the Covid-19 vaccine, click here.