Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, has urged those in the Gosport Constituency who are at risk of developing serious health problems if they catch flu to get their free NHS vaccination before the cold weather bites.
The MP’s call comes as it emerged that over 158,000 people missed out on protection last year across Hampshire, many of whom will have caught the virus and needed NHS treatment as a result.
While flu is a common ailment and many people can get over it with rest and fluids, for some people in high-risk groups, such as the elderly and those with long-term conditions, it can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
Last year seasonal flu put a significant strain on all parts of the NHS, with the proportion of peak-period GP appointments and 111 calls related to flu around double the previous year, and more than 1 in 8 of all A&E consultations being for acute respiratory infections.
And official figures published last month showed that more than 2.6million bed days were lost to flu and pneumonia last year in English hospitals, up more than 20% - or almost 460,000 bed days – over five years, the equivalent of two large hospitals.
In the Hampshire area last year:
- 69,603 older people missed out on their jab, despite many being most vulnerable to flu’s effects.
- A further 46.6% of under-65s in at risk groups, including pregnant women and people with long term conditions, also went without protection.
- And 47% of 2-4 year olds didn’t receive the child-friendly nasal spray vaccination.
Caroline said:
“Catching the flu is miserable for any of us, but if you’re older or have existing health problems, it can lead to a serious health risk. As an asthma sufferer, I know the risks of complications as a result of getting the flu virus can be higher, that's why I would urge everyone who is entitled to a free flu to make sure they take it up this winter is really important.”
NHS England’s National Medical Director for Acute Care, Professor Keith Willett, said:
“Last winter we saw the impact that a bad flu strain can have on patients, and therefore on NHS services. NHS staff are once again doing everything possible to prepare for winter, but our message to the public is this: help us, help you by making sure you get your free NHS flu vaccination.”