Residents encouraged to come forward for flu vaccine

Residents across Wigan Borough are being encouraged to get the flu vaccine to help protect themselves and their families this winter.

The flu vaccine is made available by the NHS each year to protect people at risk of getting seriously ill.

Pregnant women and children aged 2 to 16 will have already been invited to get their flu vaccination, by their GP or school. Children will be eligible to have the vaccine through nasal spray or injection, parents can check with their GP or school nurse for more advice on this.

Most eligible adults will be invited to get the vaccine by their GP or community health provider on 3 October.

Councillor Danny Fletcher, Lead Member - Leisure and Public Health at Wigan Council, said: “It can be easy to dismiss the flu when, for most of us, it can just be a mild illness. But for some of our friends, family members and neighbours it can pose a serious risk.

“Not only will this vaccine help to protect those around us but it will mean that if you get this flu this winter, the symptoms won’t be as severe and the risk will be low. If you are invited, make sure you get booked on as soon as you can.

The flu vaccine is free to all those eligible. If you are not eligible through the NHS, you may be able to access it through your employer or your local pharmacy..

Pregnant women are encouraged to also take up the offer of the of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and whooping cough vaccines, which are passed through the placenta to the baby, protecting them in the first few months of life. You can speak to your midwife or GP for more information and to book these vaccines.

Rachael Musgrave, Director of Public Health at Wigan Council, said: “Winter is around the corner, and it is important that everyone makes sure they are prepared and protected.”

“The winter season can often be challenging with increased risk of lots of respiratory illnesses such as flu and Covid-19. While flu is often an unpleasant virus, which most healthy people can recover from within a week, it poses a significant risk to older people, the very young, pregnant women and those with certain health conditions.

“These vaccinations save lives and can help to protect not just you, but your family and friends as well. It’s easy to do and is accessible near to where you live or where you child attends school, via your GP, school nurse or pharmacy. So we’re encouraging residents to take up their free vaccine offer this season, so the whole family can stay strong and well this winter.”

For more information about the flu vaccine, visit the NHS website.