Fylde MP Menzies assured by PM over major flu programme

Fylde MP Mark Menzies has highlighted the need for vulnerable people to get a flu jab this winter during the coronavirus pandemic with a question to the Prime Minister in Parliament.
Thirty million flu jabs are being made available this autumn, says the Prime MinisterThirty million flu jabs are being made available this autumn, says the Prime Minister
Thirty million flu jabs are being made available this autumn, says the Prime Minister

Following Boris Johnson’s announcement on Tuesday of new regulations to combat the spread of Covid-19, Mr Menzies asked him what measures were being taken to ensure people were able to access a seasonal flu vaccine.

The Fylde MP said: “Can I welcome the measures my Right Honourable friend the Prime Minister has laid before the house today?

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“Can I also say to him that people vulnerable to Covid are also extremely vulnerable to seasonal flu, a disease that killed more than 11,000 people in the UK last year alone, and is one of the biggest sources of winter pressures on the NHS.

“In the summer the Government promised one of the largest flu vaccination programmes in history; can my Right Honourable Friend update the House on what is being done to deliver this?”

Mr Johnson replied: “The biggest flu vaccine programme is going ahead as we speak. Thirty million people will be able to have a flu jab this autumn and I thoroughly advise members to get one.”

Meanwhile, GP surgeries across the Fylde coast are getting ready to start vaccinating residents against flu and want residents to know it is safe to attend flu clinics.

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This year, more people are eligible for the free NHS vaccine.

They include people who are on the shielded patient list and members of their household; all school year groups up to year 7; people aged over 65; pregnant women and those with pre-existing conditions including at-risk under-twos.

Dr Neil Hartley-Smith, clinical director for the Fylde Coast Clinical Commissioning Groups said: “Flu is a very serious virus and it’s never ‘just the flu’ – not to be confused with the common cold.

“In fact, flu can cause further health complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia, leading to hospitalisation in many cases.

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“Flu is a highly contagious infection that anyone can catch, it can knock you off your feet and make it hard to look after the kids or go to work. Those at even greater risk from flu include people aged 65 or over, pregnant women, and those with a lowered immunity and long-term health conditions such as severe asthma, chest or heart complaints and diabetes.

“So, if you are invited for the free flu jab, please take up the offer. It’s one of the best ways to protect yourselves and your loved ones from catching it.

“Please be assured that it’s safe to go and have your flu vaccination, as all appropriate precautions will be implemented.

“Healthcare staff on the Fylde coast have been working hard to make sure the local vaccination programme follows all the latest coronavirus guidance, so if you are invited, please don’t miss out on it.

“If you cannot make your GP practice clinic you can also ask for your vaccination from your local community pharmacy.”

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