Doctors are urge people living in the Medway Towns to protect themselves from flu and pneumonia

GPs urge at ‘risk residents’ in Medway to protect themselves from flu and pneumonia

Residents who are most at risk of developing serious difficulties from flu are being urged by NHS Medway to take advantage of a free jab as the winter months approach.

The PCT's reminder is timed to coincide with the launch of the Department of Health’s annual flu immunisation campaign which aims to help increase the number of flu jabs issued at those most at risk.

Those at risk include everyone aged 65 or over, adults and children who suffer from diabetes or chronic respiratory disease, including asthmatics on continuous inhaled steroids, heart, renal or liver disease.

Last year, only 45 per cent of those under 65 in at risk groups took advantage of the free jab, leaving more than half vulnerable to the disease.

PCT Medical Director Dr Peter Green said: “In those with other health risks flu can be potentially life-threatening.

"Those at risk should get themselves down to their local surgery to get vaccinated, this will protect them from getting flu in the months to come.”

“Those people who had the jab last year will need to get a new jab this winter because the virus changes every year and the vaccine needs to match the latest strain of the virus.”

The Department of Health is also reminding people that the flu vaccine doesn’t contain any live virus, so it can’t cause flu.

The best way to avoid catching flu is to get immunised.

There are also practical tips to help stop spreading germs to others and to avoid infection yourself. These include always carrying tissues, covering your cough and sneeze with a tissue, disposing of the tissue after one use, and cleaning your hands as soon as you can.

For more information talk to your GP, nurse or pharmacist to find out more or visit www.nhs.uk/flu.