Seasonal flu jab
Message from the Department of Health
Don't underestimate seasonal flu - London residents remember to get your annual seasonal flu jab
This year's annual seasonal flu vaccination campaign has been launched by the Department of Health.
The campaign will encourage people in London who are at risk of seasonal flu to protect themselves by getting their free flu jabs.
Everyone aged 65 and over is routinely offered the jab, as are younger people with long-term conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, serious kidney and liver disease. Around 15 million people in the UK have the jab, which must be administered every year as it is altered annually to match the seasonal flu strains in circulation.
Dr David Salisbury, Director of Immunisation at the Department of Health, said:
"We encourage all eligible London residents to take advantage of the free seasonal flu jab to protect themselves this winter. For those under 65 with long-term, conditions such as diabetes or heart conditions, remember that even if you feel well you are at increased risk of seasonal flu and the jab is your best protection.
"There has been so much coverage about swine flu this year that it is very important to remind people not to forget about getting their normal annual flu jab.
"People should not underestimate the effects of seasonal flu. It is not the same as getting a cold. It can seriously affect your health and the risks of developing complications are greater if you have certain pre-existing medical conditions."
Seasonal flu, also known as influenza, is a highly infectious illness caused by a virus. The virus, which is different from swine flu (H1N1), changes every year as does the vaccine, so, it is important that those at risk ensure they receive the jab to protect themselves.
Dr Salisbury added:
"If you are in any of the at-risk groups, my advice, especially at this time of the year, is to visit your local surgery and get the vaccination as soon as possible. This is the best form of protection for you and others."
Every year, approximately 8,000 people suffer seasonal flu-related deaths in the winter months in England and Wales.
The best way for London residents to avoid seasonal flu is to get immunised, but in addition people can protect themselves by practising good hand hygiene. This means carrying tissues, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, disposing of the tissue after one use, and cleaning hands as soon as possible.
Page updated: 16 Oct 2009