OLDER people in Warrington, along with those who suffer from particular health conditions, are being urged to take up the offer of free flu vaccinations.
Influenza is a serious illness for older people as it can lead to long lasting complications, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, even death.
Every autumn, GPs in the town work alongside Warrington Primary Care Trust (PCT) to offer free flu vaccinations to everyone over the age of 65 and other people whose health condition places them at risk of serious complications should they catch flu.
The 'at risk' group includes people who have long-term lung, heart or kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, lowered immunity due to a disease, such as spleen problems, or medical treatments such as chemotherapy, have any other serious medical condition, or live in a nursing, residential or long-stay home.
Letters will be sent by Warrington's GPs to people in the above groups, inviting them to attend their surgery for free vaccination.
The PCT points out that one of these conditions, asthma, places people of any age at risk of serious complications should they catch flu.
It recommends that people with asthma and parents of children with asthma should contact their practice nurse or GP to discuss the health protection benefits offered by the free flu jab.
For more advice or information about immunisation contact your local GP practice, ring NHS Direct (the 24-hour, nurse-led helpline) on 0845 4647 or visit the website www.nhsdirect.
nhs.uk
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