Flu

In a major drive to protect the community from flu this winter, NHS Blackburn with Darwen and NHS East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are urging all eligible people to get vaccinated against flu in our refreshed Protect Your Family campaign.

The plea comes to help protect the nation from the double threat of flu and coronavirus (Covid-19) this winter. Whilst the flu vaccination won’t protect against Covid-19 it is critical in protecting the general health of the population, particularly those at high risk from Covid-19. Unfortunately many of the groups who are vulnerable to flu are also more vulnerable to Covid-19.

This year, the flu programme is being expanded with vaccination being offered to more groups than ever in an effort to help protect people from flu and ease pressure on the NHS and urgent care services; a record number of 30 million people will be offered the free flu vaccine.

Eligible groups of people who can receive the free vaccination are:

All 2 and 3 year olds
All primary school aged children and secondary school Year 7
Pregnant women
Those in a clinical at risk group such as those with respiratory (breathing) problems, diabetes, chronic heart, kidney or liver disease (this list is not exhaustive)
Those aged 65 and over
Household contacts of those on the NHS Shielded Patient List, or of immunocompromised individuals, specifically individuals who expect to share living accommodation with a shielded patient on most days over the winter and therefore for whom continuing close contact is unavoidable
Health and social care workers

Read the full news story: A major drive is launched across Pennine Lancashire to protect the community from flu this winter

Spread the word

We are working with our partners to help to get these important messages out to the public, service users, staff and partners. We have put together a pack of materials which organisations might find useful in promoting this year’s Flu Campaign. The pack includes:

Public —

Stay well this winter leaflet

The flu vaccination who should have it and why booklet

Easy read adult flu leaflet

Care workers -

Care workers flu vaccination poster

Care workers flu vaccination leaflet

Children -

Protecting your child against flu leaflet

5 Reasons to get your child vaccinated against flu poster

Learning Disability -

Easy read protect yourself from the flu leaflet