North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus is reminding people aged 65 and over and people of any age with a serious medical condition living in North East Lincolnshire to make an appointment to have their annual flu jab.

Recent weeks have seen increasing numbers of people reporting flu and a surge in the number of people becoming seriously ill as a result of flu.  Many of these cases of severe illness appear to be caused by swine flu. 

The Care Trust Plus is concerned that there has been a fall in the number of people over the age of 65 and others in high risk groups who have received a flu vaccination this year in North East Lincolnshire. 

With weather forecasts suggesting a harsh winter with cold temperatures for the weeks ahead it is especially important that people who are eligible for a free flu jab contact their GP to ensure that they receive the vaccination as soon as possible.  This year’s flu vaccine will protect people against swine flu and other forms of flu that are currently circulating in the population.

Pregnant women are also being offered the flu vaccination this year. This is because swine flu will still be circulating this winter and pregnant women who catch this strain are at an increased risk of severe disease and flu-related hospital admissions.

However, pregnant women who received the swine flu vaccination in the last year and are not in the clinical risk categories may not need to receive the flu vaccination this year. Pregnant women should contact their GP if they are in any doubt about whether they are in a clinical risk category for flu.

Geoff Barnes, acting director of public health, said: “Vaccination is an important tool in combating seasonal flu. 

“Flu is a very unpleasant illness that is much more severe than a cold and can be serious for older people and those with existing medical conditions. It can lead to complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia and may be life threatening for people who are already ill.”

Health and social care workers in North East Lincolnshire are also encouraged to have the vaccination. By having the jab healthcare workers will be protecting themselves, their families and their patients against the flu.For more information residents should contact their local GP practice.

A seasonal flu vaccination guide can also be downloaded from the Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk