Flu vaccination campaign launches across Wales

The annual campaign to encourage people in eligible groups across Wales to have a vaccination to protect themselves from influenza (flu) has launchd.

The Beat Flu Campaign encourages those who need it most to get protection each year against influenza, a potentially dangerous disease.

The eligible groups include pregnant women, people with certain chronic long term health conditions, people with a BMI over 40 and everyone aged over 65.

Children aged between two and eight years are also eligible as the vaccine programme for children is being extended again this year.

The vaccine for adults is a small injection, but for children it is a simple nasal spray.

Teresa Owen, Director of Public Health for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, is urging all those who are eligible to have the flu jab:

“Flu can cause serious complications and even lead to death. The flu vaccine can significantly reduce the chances of people getting flu so it is very important that those who are eligible for the vaccine by their GP, local community pharmacist or employer take up the offer to ensure they are protected.

“GPs across North Wales have been preparing for this winter’s battle against the flu bug and are already contacting eligible patients inviting them for the vaccine. Our own Occupational Health Department and local vaccinators have also started vaccinating our staff.

“The school nurse teams will be visiting each primary school immunising children in Reception class, Year 1, 2, 3 and 4 to offer the nasal flu vaccine which is given as a quick and painless spray up the nose.

“We have to ensure that people who are eligible for this free vaccine are aware that the flu virus can kill – and the best people can do to protect themselves is to have the vaccine”

The influenza viruses that circulate and cause illness each winter change and therefore each year the flu vaccine is changed to try and match the circulating strains, in order to give best protection.

Carers, volunteers providing planned emergency first aid and Community First Responders are also entitled to the vaccine. It’s also recommended that frontline health and social care workers have the vaccine to protect themselves and those they care for. They can talk to their occupational health department or employer about where and when they can get their vaccine.

Dr Richard Roberts, Head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at Public Health Wales, said: “Each year influenza viruses circulate, causing many people to be ill and some to face life-threatening situations. Last year in intensive care units in Wales there were 74 patients with confirmed influenza.

“The influenza virus changes regularly and vaccine protection fades over time, so if you are in a risk group and had the vaccine last year, it is still important to get vaccinated this year to protect yourself.

“Getting vaccinated against flu every year is the single best way to protect against catching or spreading what is a potentially debilitating illness. Influenza can be incredibly serious, even with treatment – but getting vaccinated offers the best protection, so make sure it is top of your to-do list this autumn.”

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 influenza 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.

More information is available on the Health Board’s website: www.bcu.wales.nhs.uk