Bolton health leaders are urging all residents to roll up their sleeves and get their annual flu jab.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Cllr Susan Baines and Bolton’s Director of Public Health, Dr Helen Lowey received their flu vaccinations this week.
They were joined by the chair of Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, Dr Niruban Ratnarajah and Karen Meadowcroft, Chief Nurse at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust.
Flu is a serious illness that kills thousands of people in the UK each year and places immense pressure on our health services.
COVID-19 and flu will be circulating at the same time this winter so it’s more important than ever to get vaccinated against both to protect yourself, protect vulnerable people in the community and ease the strain on the NHS.
Flu vaccination dramatically reduces your chances of getting flu and spreading it to others.
Among those who are most at risk from flu are the over-50s, pregnant women, children and people with existing health conditions such as diabetes or COPD.
They are entitled to get a free flu vaccination along with carers and health and care workers.
Anyone who is not eligible for a free jab can still get vaccinated at their local pharmacy for around £10 to £15.
Cllr Baines said: “Flu is a nasty, debilitating illness than can put vulnerable residents at serious risk.
“Getting a flu jab is a quick and easy way to protect yourself and those around you.
“If you have not had your flu jab yet please do your part to help keep Bolton safe and healthy this winter.”
COVID-19 has not gone away and the virus is more likely to spread during the winter months.
Dr Niruban Ratnarajah said: “Our health and care services have been working incredibly hard to cope with the Coronavirus pandemic.
“Let’s not put them under extra pressure with a flu outbreak when we can take simple steps to prevent it.
“Proper flu isn’t just a cold; if you catch it, you could end up seriously ill or in hospital. That’s why I’ve had my flu jab to protect myself, my patients and my family.”
Karen Meadowcroft, Chief Nurse at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“The flu can be a nasty virus, and every year we see and treat the effects of it in our community.
“In some extreme cases flu can be fatal, and every year we encourage those who are eligible to receive the vaccine to protect themselves and others in order to keep staff well, reduce our hospital admissions and protect our critical care services.
“I’ve had my jab, as have many of our staff, and we’re continuing our vaccination programme for all who need it this winter, in order to keep our patients and our families safe.”
Dr Lowey said: “COVID-19 has not gone away and the virus is more likely to spread during the winter months.
“With both COVID and flu circulating at the same time this winter, there is a real risk that residents could be infected with both.
“A good way to avoid that happening it to make sure as many people as possible are protected.”