Flu jab campaign success

THE seasonal flu jab campaign in Oldham has helped even more people stay protected over winter.

Nearly three quarters of people aged over 65 in Oldham protected themselves against flu by having a free vaccination during the winter — above the England average of 72.8 per cent.

The campaign saw:

::74.2 per cent of people in Oldham aged over 65 have a flu jab — an increase of 1.8 per cent on the previous year.

::57.3 per cent of people in Oldham under 65 and in an at-risk group had their flu jab — a 6.3 per cent increase from last year and above the England average of 50.3 per cent.

::45.5 per cent of pregnant women had a jab (swine flu was part of the flu virus again this year) — above the England average of 37.7 per cent.

Alan Higgins, director of public health for Oldham, said: “We’re really pleased that so many people have had their jab as part of the annual seasonal flu immunisation programme.

“This means, that by having something as simple as the seasonal flu jab, they are helping to protect themselves and others against getting more serious illnesses.”

The national target for flu jab uptake among over 65s increased to 75 per cent in 2010-11.

NHS Oldham runs an annual campaign to encourage people in at-risk groups to have the vaccination. People in at-risk groups include those who are aged over 65 or under 65 and have conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart conditions.