Plymouth City Council is urging local people to get their flu jabs as a major campaign to keep people well this winter is launched.
Public Health England has kicked off the new 'Stay Well This Winter' campaign with a new national flu vaccination programme for children, which this year seeks to help over three million two to six year olds, as the programme is extended to children in school years one and two.
For the first time, all youngest primary school children will be eligible to receive the free nasal spray vaccine, making this the largest school-based vaccination programme in England. It will also be available through GPs and pharmacies.
As in previous years, the adult flu vaccine will also be offered for free to those in groups at particular risk of infection and complications from flu. The groups being offered the adult flu vaccine are:
- Pregnant women
- Those aged 65 or over
- Those aged under 65 with long-term conditions
- Carers
A pilot programme last year showed that vaccinating children had a dual benefit – as well as protecting them from flu, it also protects others, such as parents, grandparents and siblings, as children are 'super spreaders' and are much more likely to infect others.