Flu vaccine

Friday 26th October 2018 05:44 EDT
 

The flu vaccine is free for at risk groups including pregnant women, children aged 2 and 3 as well as school children in reception to year 5, people under 65 with long-term health conditions and those aged 65 and over. London based Thriveni Potti made sure her son got the flu nasal spray vaccine at the age of 3 following advice from her GP. Her son was diagnosed with asthma and she knew that flu, on top of asthma, could increase his chances of serious health complications and even a hospital visit.

Thriveni said “When my son is unwell, his asthma worsens. Having the flu would further aggravate his condition so the flu vaccine is absolutely essential in helping him stay well especially through the winter months.” Farah Cavaliera from Buckinghamshire has two children aged 4 and 6. She said, “There are three generations of my family that get the flu vaccine including my mother who has type 2 diabetes so flu could make her seriously ill. I have, during my pregnancies and my children.”  Farah has also ensured that every year since her children turned 2 they have the flu nasal spray vaccine.  

Vidushi Khosa from London said, “I often hear people saying that they have had flu when it’s only a cold. It was after my husband had flu and I saw what a terrible experience it was for him that I realised the importance of getting the vaccine.
“Last year my 2-year-old had the flu nasal spray vaccine and this helped protect him from catching flu and passing it onto other family members.” Shazneen Patel-Bhatt said, “I have a long-term health condition and my GP made me aware that getting the flu could be really debilitating for me, it would not only affect me but my whole family too.”  

“Now I always get the flu vaccine, as it offers me the best protection against flu. My husband and I have no family or friends living near us which means we have no help or support if we fall ill. Having the vaccine means the chances of us getting the flu is greatly reduced.” Those who are eligible for a free flu vaccine should contact their GP, pharmacist or midwife before the end of November.  

Visit www.nhs.uk/fluvaccine for more information


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