Flu jabs are urged for the elderly

Oct 4 2007 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

PENSIONERS are being encouraged to have flu vaccinations in a series of roadshow events.

Liverpool PCT launched its annual flu immunisation campaign to help prevent deaths from flu-related bronchitis and pneumonia this winter.

Free flu jabs are available to other at-risk groups as well as the elderly, but only the over 65s will be able to attend a series of drop-in clinics for the jabs.

People with asthma or other chest problems, heart disease, chronic kidney disease and diabetes can get a jab from their GP, as can patients taking oral steroids, those with weak immune systems because of medication and those in a nursing or residential home.

Radio City DJ Pete Price launched the programme by getting immunised yesterday.

Dr Rob Barnett, Secretary of Liverpool Medical Committee, said: “Flu is an extremely unpleasant illness and it can prove deadly for elderly people or those ‘at risk’. I would urge any one in these groups to get vaccinated as soon as they can.”