The NHS in Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull is urging eligible residents to get vaccinated this winter, as a major new campaign highlights the risks of flu for thousands of local people.
With one in four people at great risker of becoming seriously unwell from flu, the campaign aims to encourage eligible residents to get their free NHS flu vaccination.
Flu is often thought of as a minor winter illness or a bad cold, but it can lead to serious complications, hospitalisation and even death, particularly for those with certain long-term conditions, pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, people aged 65+ and young children.
Launching today (Tuesday 13 October), a major campaign will run until December to raise awareness of the risks of flu, particularly amongst those in more vulnerable groups.
The campaign will reach communities across Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull through radio, advertising, public transport, social media and local community channels, with targeted activity in areas where flu vaccination uptake has historically been lower.
Mr Ian Sharp, Medical Advisor at NHS Birmingham & Solihull and NHS Black Country, said: “One in four people across our area are at greater risk from flu, and many may not even realise it. For someone who is otherwise healthy, flu can be unpleasant but manageable. But for those more vulnerable, it can have much more serious consequences and long-term complications.
“We want people across Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull to understand their own risk factors, and recognise the importance of getting vaccinated if they’re eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine. Whether you’re pregnant, living with a long-term health condition, are over 65 or have a young child aged 2 to 3, or at school, getting protected now can make a real difference as we head into winter.
“Flu vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones against serious illness, and we’d encourage anyone who is eligible to take up the offer this winter.”
Many individuals will have been invited to attend their GP practice to get their free vaccination, but for anyone who may have missed it, they can contact a participating local pharmacy or speak to their GP practice to book an appointment.
Schools across the area will also be offering the flu vaccination to their students, with a parent’s consent.
In Birmingham and Solihull, a mobile vaccination unit is visiting community locations and providing easy access to a vaccination. To find out where the unit will be and when, visit the NHS Birmingham and Solihull website – no appointment is needed and eligible residents can simply drop in.
As we enter the colder months, local hospitals are also bracing for an increase in attendances related to flu, so it’s even more important for people to get vaccinated in order to reduce avoidable admissions.
Dr Barbara King, Local GP and Medical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care at NHS Birmingham & Solihull and NHS Black Country, said: “Our hospitals and GP practices see a sharp increase in attendances and admissions every winter due to avoidable illnesses like flu. For a significant proportion of these patients, they are eligible for a flu vaccination but didn’t get it, even though it could have helped ensure they stayed healthy and reduced the need for treatment.
“We know by more people getting protected, it helps relieve pressure on our already incredibly busy services, and people have better health outcomes. If you are eligible, please do consider getting your vaccination as soon as possible to protect yourself, those around you and help our hospitals help you this winter.”
Follow the link to find more information about flu vaccinations.
