DORSET GPs are among doctors across the country gearing up to offer free flu jabs to millions of people from Monday.
Last year more than 600 people died from flu, most of them already identified as being at particular risk if they caught the virus.
Those in the ‘at risk’ group should have a flu jab every year before the season starts.
They include people with heart or chest problems, kidney or liver disease, history of stroke or TIA (mini-stroke), diabetes, chronic degenerative diseases or lowered immunity due to disease or treatment.
Overall they are 11 times more likely to die of flu than a healthy person, but for those with chronic degenerative diseases such as MS, the risk is 40 times greater.
The vaccine is free to everyone in these groups, plus people over 65, all pregnant women, and main carers for elderly or disabled people.
If you haven't had your flu vaccination by the end of October, get in touch with your practice and make an appointment.
Chief medical officer Dame Professor Sally Davies said: “It takes five to ten days for the vaccine to take effect so it is important to get the flu jab before flu is about.”
About three-quarters of older people have their flu vaccine each year, but only around half of younger people in at risk groups go for the jab.
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