Flu jab uptake at 51 per cent

ALMOST half of Oldham residents with chronic conditions are putting their health at risk by not getting protected against the potentially deadly winter flu virus.

Figures show that only 51.6 per cent of high risk groups aged under-65 have taken up the seasonal flu jabs offered in the Oldham area at the end of December.

However, more than 72 per cent of pensioners in the borough have had the jab — exceeding the national target — according to the Department of Health figures (DoH).

Nationally, the target for over-65s is 70 per cent, but no targets are set for vulnerable people.

Anyone over 65 can be vaccinated and those under-65s classed as high risk — which includes patients with asthma, diabetes and heart disease among other conditions — are also eligible.

Lynn Tickle, immunisation co-ordinator for NHS Oldham, the local primary care trust responsible for NHS services, said: “We’re pleased that nearly three quarters of people aged over-65 have chosen to stay protected against flu by having their jab.

“We aim to increase the number of people who have a jab every year. This year we piloted a scheme with pharmacies to increase access to flu jabs and will be looking at new methods for the future.”

A universal flu vaccine which could see an end to the annual jab is currently being tested on volunteers across the UK. If successful, the vaccine developed by Oxford University researchers would be a key weapon in a flu pandemic.

A DoH spokesperson said: “We have one of the best uptake rates in Europe. Nearly 74 per cent of those aged 65 and over got their flu jab last year.

“This brings us very close to the World Health Organisation 2010 target of 75 per cent. We are aiming to meet and exceed the WHO target in the future.”