York residents urged to get free flu vaccine
The number of people eligible for free flu vaccines is being expanded.
York residents are being urged not to miss out on getting flu vaccines as the local CCG steps up its campaign today.
GP practices will start sending letters out to eligible patients classed as ‘high risk’, with details on how they can receive their vaccine.
High risk patients will continue to be contacted by their GP practices and vaccinated throughout September and October. This includes: residents in care homes or other long-stay care facilities, people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, front-line health and social care workers, carers and personal assistants for someone with a Personal Health Budget, those living in a household with people who have shielded and any people in a clinical risk group (aged from six months to less than 65).
This year, 50 to 65-year-olds who do not have a health condition putting them at risk of the flu are also eligible for a free flu vaccine. GP practices will keep this group of patients informed and are likely to invite them for a flu vaccination in November and December once all other eligible groups have been vaccinated.
Dr Andrew Lee from NHS Vale of York CCG said: "flu is a killer and every winter we see excess deaths. Sometimes people talk it down as an issue, but flu on its own can be a killer.
"I'd really encourage anyone who is called forward for a vaccine to get vaccinated. We'll contact the most high risk patients first before rolling it out further".
"This year there's a lot more impetus to get people vaccinated because of Covid-19".
Dr Charles Parker, Clinical Chair of NHS North Yorkshire CCG, said: “Flu vaccinations are required every year as there are different strains of the influenza virus in circulation each season; immunisation is the best way to help protect people from flu. It’s a virus that has the potential to leave people very poorly, lead to hospitalisation and sometimes even death".