People should get free flu vaccinations

18 June, 2008

People should get free flu vaccinations while they can

The flu season’s starting to kick in and time’s running out for people with respiratory conditions to get their free flu vaccines this winter, says the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation.

People with chronic health conditions including people with asthma who use a preventer, most other people with respiratory conditions and everyone 65 years and over can get a free flu vaccine through their doctor or nurse, but they are only free for the next week-and-a-half, until 30 June, 2008.

“It’s really important that people take advantage of the free vaccine while it is available because influenza is already getting around and immunisation typically takes up to two weeks to take effect,” says Foundation Executive Director Jane Patterson.

“Our nationwide figures for immunisation are, overall, up on last year. However, people with chronic health conditions are at higher risk of complications from influenza than others. For best protection we advise them to get a flu vaccination while they are still free,” Jane says.

“And, no matter how ‘in shape’ we think we are, we’re still at risk. You’re never too fit to get hit.”

ENDS

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