Pharmacies join the flu jab campaign

IT”S not too late to get protected against flu.

And Oldhamers who qualify can now pop into one of five pharmacies to get the jab.

GP practices already give the vaccine to people aged 65 and over as well as those under 65 who have a condition such as asthma or diabetes.

But now NHS Oldham, the new name for Oldham Primary Care Trust (PCT), is piloting the scheme with pharmacies to try to increase the number of people under-65 with long-term conditions — including respiratory disease (including asthma), lung disease, cancer, heart disease or liver disease — having the jab.

Five pharmacists have received training in immunisation, basic life support and anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction).

They are the Tesco pharmacy, Featherstall Road North; Co-op pharmacy, Royton health centre; Boots, Town Square, Oldham Town centre; St Chad’s pharmacy, Limehurst, and the Co-op pharmacy, Horsedge Street.

Flu jab business cards are being distributed across Oldham to help raise further awareness about flu and why the jab is so important.

NHS Oldham’s flu campaign runs to the end of January and so far 65.5 percent of over-65s have had their jab — meaning it is on track to meet the national target of 70 per cent.

People on medication which weakens their immune system, such as steroids, and those living in long-stay residential care homes or other long stay care facilities, are also eligible for the free jab.

These groups are deemed more at risk of catching flu and could face further serious illness, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

Anyone who falls into an at-risk category should contact their GP’s surgery and arrange an appointment, or one of the pharmacies taking part.

Oldham director of public health, Alan Higgins, said: “It is important that people are aware that the flu jab cannot cause the flu.

“The flu can be very serious, with three to four thousand deaths linked to it every year in the UK.

“If you have an illness like diabetes, or are over 65, you are much more likely to have flu, and the jab is the best form of protection there is.”

For more information call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.