The annual national campaign to encourage people in eligible groups across Wales to have a flu vaccination and protect themselves from the illness is being launched today (Monday October 10 2016).
‘Beat Flu’ aims to encourage people who need it most to get protection each year against flu, a potentially dangerous disease. This includes everyone aged 65 and over, people with certain chronic long term health conditions and pregnant women.
Carers, volunteers providing planned emergency first aid and Community First Responders are also entitled to the vccine, which is delivered as a small injection in the arm.
Frontline health and social care workers should have the vaccine as part of their occupational health care, to protect themselves and those they care for.
The vaccine programme is extended this year for children; those between the ages of two and seven will be eligible. The vaccine for children is a simple nasal spray with children aged 2 and 3 receiving it at their GP practice, while those in reception class and school years 1, 2 and 3 will receive the nasal spray at schools such as Severn Road in Cardiff, where the Flu Bug mascot recently paid a visit.
Vaccination clinics are taking place across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan and Dr Sharon Hopkins, Director of Public Health for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, is urging all those who are eligible to have the jab.
Dr Hopkins said: “Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is supporting this year’s Beat Flu Campaign and we strongly encourage anyone who is eligible for the vaccine to take advantage.
“The flu virus spreads easily and can be a serious illness. If you have any questions about getting vaccinated for free, speak to your GP, Practice Nurse or a participating pharmacy.
“We are worried that many at-risk people under 65 did not protect themselves last year. Many of the people in this group may not be aware that they are eligible for a free jab.
“Because the virus changes each year it is important people get vaccinated each season.”
Minister for Social Services and Public Health, Rebecca Evans, who is launching the Beat Flu campaign today, said it’s vital that those most at risk of flu and its complications have the free vaccine.
Rebecca Evans has encouraged others to join her and pledge to beat flu. The Minister said: “Flu can be a life-threatening illness for people who are at risk because of their age, because they have an underlying health problem or because they are pregnant. Sadly, it kills people in Wales every year.
“People can also pledge to Beat Flu by reminding eligible relatives and friends to get their flu vaccine this autumn. We run this programme every year to make sure people don’t fall seriously ill with flu, especially as it can be prevented so quickly and simply – so make sure you get protected early.”
Health and social care workers are also encouraged to get a flu vaccine as it is the best way to prevent spreading disease.
Each year the vaccine is changed to match circulating strains of the flu virus, to give the best protection. Most NHS flu vaccines are given in GP surgeries, but it is also available in many local pharmacies.
The campaign is led by Public Health Wales and will be active from now until December.
Dr Richard Roberts, Head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme in Public Health Wales, said: “Each year flu viruses circulate, causing many people to be ill. The viruses change regularly and vaccine protection fades over time, so if you are in a risk group and had the vaccine last year you should get vaccinated again this year to protect you this winter.
“Getting vaccinated against flu every year is the single best way to protect against catching or spreading flu. Flu can be really serious even with treatment, but getting vaccinated offers good protection, so make sure you beat flu before it beats you!”
Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by a virus that affects the lungs and airways. Symptoms generally come on suddenly and can include fever, chills, headache, cough, body aches and fatigue.
The virus is spread via droplets which are sprayed into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Direct contact with contaminated hands or surfaces can also spread infection. It can spread rapidly, especially in closed communities such as hospitals, residential homes and schools.
Find out more by visiting www.beatflu.org or by finding Beat Flu or Curwch Ffliw on Twitter and Facebook.
