Somerset County Council is urging people with underlying health conditions to take up the free offer of a flu vaccination if they haven’t already.
Flu can affect anyone, but for those living with a long-term health condition, such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, diabetes or obesity, the effects of catching the flu can make it worse, even if the condition is well managed and they normally feel well.
This winter we have the added complication of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, with new variants continuing to circulate. People in at-risk groups have been identified as being at risk from Coronavirus and catching the two viruses together is even more likely to lead to severe illness, hospitalisation and sadly death.
Therefore, it is important that everyone entitled to the vaccine takes the opportunity to protect themselves, their loved ones – and help take pressure of the NHS.
A list of all people that are eligible for the free flu vaccination can be found at on the Somerset Health and Wellbeing website.
To make an appointment to receive the free flu jab you can contact your local pharmacy. Strict social distancing and hygiene practices are in place to protect both the public and staff at vaccination clinics.
Councillor Clare Paul, Somerset County Council’s member responsible for health and wellbeing, commented: “It is important that people with existing health conditions get the flu vaccination, to help prevent them from becoming seriously ill from flu and to protect the NHS at their busiest time of the year.
“I urge everyone who is eligible for the free flu jab to take this opportunity to protect themselves and other vulnerable people.”
