Claim your free Brighton flu jab - find out if you're eligible

Residents in Brighton and Hove are being urged to get a flu jab this winter - as it emerged that last year 57 people in the city ended up in hospital as a result of the virus.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Oct 2018, 09:41 BST
Updated 10th Oct 2018, 11:24 BST
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The local NHS said having the free flu jab could stop vulnerable people ending up in hospital, or even dying, this winter.

It added that the influx of people needing medical care due to flu caused extra strain on hospitals last year and cost the NHS more than a £130,000.

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Related stories: Extra evening and weekend GP appointments in Brighton and Hove

Across the South region many people in vulnerable at-risk groups are still not being vaccinated, leaving themselves at risk from the potentially fatal risk that flu poses.Across the South region many people in vulnerable at-risk groups are still not being vaccinated, leaving themselves at risk from the potentially fatal risk that flu poses.
Across the South region many people in vulnerable at-risk groups are still not being vaccinated, leaving themselves at risk from the potentially fatal risk that flu poses.

Free wi fi rolled out at Brighton hospital

Local doctors believe this could have been avoided had those eligible taken up the opportunity to get their free jab.

Allison Cannon, chief nurse and director of quality for East Surrey and Sussex Clinical Commissioning Groups, said: “Flu is potentially a very serious illness, and the flu vaccine is the single best way to protect yourself and help ease pressures on your local NHS. This year new and improved flu vaccine comes in time for winter, which is expected to be extremely difficult for the NHS.

“Last year, around one in four of those eligible in Brighton and Hove did not claim their free flu jab. This year, residents should be vaccinated as they will be better protected from flu than ever before. We hope this improved vaccine will help ease pressures on local health services by leading to fewer avoidable GP appointments, fewer people needing hospital care and fewer deaths from flu.”

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The NHS said this year’s improved vaccine contains extra ingredients designed to help people’s immune systems develop a stronger defence against flu.

The vaccine helps protect people from symptoms of flu, which includes a dry, chesty cough, a headache and a sore throat.

Those who could get seriously ill if they get flu and possibly require avoidable hospital admission can claim a free flu jab, including:

- adults aged 65 and over

- adults aged 18 to 64 with a long term health condition

- children aged two to three at their GP practice

- school children in Years reception, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

- pregnant women

- health and social care workers

- carers

People identified at risk of complications can receive the flu vaccine through their GP, and from their local high street pharmacist.

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The childhood vaccination programme has been expanded so children from age two up to Year 5 in primary school are offered a flu nasal spray, protecting children and anyone they come into contact with.

Related topics:BrightonNHSResidentsHoveGP appointmentsPeople