Elin Jones urges those in ‘at-risk’ groups to get their free influenza vaccination
Elin Jones AM is urging all those eligible for the free influenza (flu) vaccine to protect themselves and those around them.
Vaccination is the best protection against catching or spreading influenza, which is a debilitating and potentially deadly illness.
Elin Jones AM, who represents Ceredigion, is joining calls being made by Public Health Wales urging those in at risk groups to make an appointment with their local GP or go to their community pharmacy and get the free flu vaccine soon.
At risk groups include pregnant women, people with certain long-term illnesses, those aged 65 or over and carers.
All children aged two to eight years are also being offered protection with a simple nasal spray flu vaccine – so no needle. Two and three year olds (age on 31 August 2017) will have their nasal spray vaccine at their GP surgery and children in reception class, year one, two, three and four in primary school will be offered their nasal spray vaccine at school.
Elin Jones said: “The Beat Flu campaign is underway throughout Wales to offer flu vaccines to individuals most at risk of serious complications from influenza, and my message to them is to make sure it’s at the top of your to-do list this autumn.
“Last year in Wales less than half (47%) of those in at-risk groups under the age of 65 took up their free NHS flu vaccination, and we really need to significantly increase the numbers of people being vaccinated in order to prevent the spread of this largely preventable illness.”