Shropshire health warning over missed flu jabs
Shropshire health chiefs today issued a new year alert after figures revealed a large number of vulnerable people have failed to have their flu jab.
Latest figures from Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group show only half of at risk under-65s have received vital jab protection.
And in Telford & Wrekin the figure is even lower, with just a 47 per cent take-up.
Pregnant women across the county have also been slow to come forward for the jab, which doctors say can offer vital protection to unborn babies. Figures show only 49 per cent of pregnant women in Shropshire and 43 per cent in Telford & Wrekin have had their free vaccination.
Dr John Reid, Consultant in Public Health for NHS Telford and Wrekin, said: "I cannot stress enough the importance of people getting their free flu immunisation. Do not underestimate flu, it is more than a bad cold. Unfortunately, each year, there are cases of people who die as a result of flu.
"We know that across the country and locally the flu season has started and we are seeing cases of flu. It is not too late to get a free flu immunisation, but please do not wait until people you know have flu."
People in at risk groups are more likely to develop potentially serious complications of flu, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Dr Irfan Ghani, Shropshire's consultant in public health, said: "People who are eligible for the free flu immunisation receive an invite from their GP practice. However, some of these people don't come forward. We are encouraging these people to discuss this with their GP practice.
"Don't listen to the flu myths find out the flu facts from your GP. "
Dr Mike Innes, Telford and Wrekin's Clinical Commissioning Group chairman, said: " I urge everyone who is eligible to get the vaccine and help protect themselves and their families this winter – I have."