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Doug Naysmith MP encourages constituents to have a flu jab

Monday October 13th 2008

MPs and Peers from all parties were today offered flu vaccinations, in line with Government recommendations, in a bid to encourage their constituents to be vaccinated against flu for this 2008/09 season.

Doug Naysmith MP, member for Bristol North West, said that last year around 77 % of people over 65 years and around 43 % in at risk groups were vaccinated against flu in the Bristol and South Gloucestershire areas.

Doug Naysmith said, “People over the age of 65 and those in at-risk groups should visit their GP surgeries for a free flu vaccination. I thought I was too busy to have one a couple of years ago and ended up in hospital! This year I’m taking no chances.”

Dr George Kassianos, a GP and member of the Royal College of GPs, said that “Flu is a pretty nasty infection to get, but it can be a serious illness for people aged over 65 and those deemed to be ‘at risk’ so I would encourage these groups to get their jabs.” Complications from flu can be severe, with as many as 3,000 - 4,000 deaths in the UK each year attributable to flu

The Department of Health provides free flu vaccinations for at risk groups, which include those aged 65 or over; people with chronic respiratory disease (including asthma), heart, renal or liver disease; diabetes; low immune systems; as well as people living in long-stay facilities such as nursing and residential homes, and carers of elderly or disabled people .

The initiative is sponsored by the UK Vaccine Industry Group (UVIG) and [has received the support of the Department of Health] as a means of highlighting the importance of flu vaccination.