DOCTORS are urging those most at risk from flu to protect themselves and their families as a matter of priority in the run up to Christmas with a free flu jab.

Those at most risk include pregnant women, people living with a health condition such as severe asthma, chest or heart complaints, and those aged 65 and over.

This time last year critical care units across the region were busy with people who should have been vaccinated against flu but ended up so ill over Christmas that they had to be ventilated as doctors battled to keep them alive.

For the first time this year, two and three year olds are eligible for the vaccine free of charge.

Clare Simpson, consultant in public health, screening and immunisation lead, NHS England Wessex area team, said: “We already know that you are eleven times more likely to die from flu if you are in an “at risk” group.

“We are encouraging everyone who is eligible to have the flu vaccine to have it as soon as possible to help protect themselves and their families over the course of winter.”

A music video featuring the Kung Flu Fighters, the Flus Brothers, The Moody Flus has been created to encourage hospital staff to have their annual flu vaccination jab. NHS staff are invited to have a flu jab each year as winter approaches to help protect them from getting flu, and to avoid its spread to colleagues and patients.

For further information about where you can have the flu jab, log on to dorsetccg.nhs.uk/localities

Virus to affect millions

  • The cold or flu virus will affect around 15 million people in the UK this year
  • Colds and flu account for approximately 5.5 million GP visits annually, costing the NHS a crippling £170 million
  • The average UK adult catches between two and four colds every year
  • In the UK, about 600 people a year die from seasonal flu
  • The flu virus can live on surfaces for up to 2 days, and cold viruses can survive for as long as 7 days