Hywel Dda University Health Board is urging everyone who is eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine to have theirs before flu starts to circulate in our communities this winter.

Flu can be serious for some people, and those most at risk of complications should have a flu vaccine every year. The people caring for them should also have an annual flu vaccination to help protect them from catching and spreading flu. This winter it is especially important, as flu and COVID-19 (coronavirus) will both be in circulation.

Seasonal flu vaccines have an excellent safety record and annual vaccination is the best protection against catching or spreading flu.

Those currently eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine include

children over 6 months old and adults with a long term health condition

anyone with a learning disability

everyone aged 65 and over (age on 31 March 2021)

pregnant women

children aged two to ten years old (age on 31 August 2020)

unpaid carers

domiciliary carers and care home staff with regular client contact

care home residents

Ros Jervis, Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda UHB, said: “Demand for vaccination has been high this year and I want to thank everyone for their patience as our GP practices arrange appointments as they receive their vaccine supply. There is enough flu vaccine for all these eligible groups to get vaccinated before the flu season starts, which is usually in December.

“If you are eligible and have not yet received your free NHS flu vaccination, please contact your GP surgery to book an appointment.”

If any of the following apply to you, you are at increased risk of complications from flu even if you feel healthy, and it is important you have a flu vaccine:

Diabetes

A heart problem

A chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including asthma that requires regular steroid inhalers or tablets

Kidney disease (from stage 3)

Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment

Liver disease

Had a stroke or mini stroke

A neurological condition

A problem with your spleen

Higher body fat (Body Mass Index of 40 or above- adults only)

Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (and also close contacts of people in this group)

If you do not wish to be vaccinated this year, please let your surgery know so that they can allocate their vaccine to another patient.

To find out more about the flu vaccine and eligibility, please visit www.beatflu.org and let’s beat flu together to keep Wales safe.