NHS North West London says ‘Help us help you’ this winter by getting your flu vaccination

The free flu vaccination is being offered to those who are at increased risk from the effects of flu – these include people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, those with certain long-term health conditions and children (aged 2-10).

Ask your GP, pharmacist or midwife about the free flu vaccine. It's an important and easy way to stay well this winter.

Diane Jones, Chief Nurse and Director of Quality for the North West London Collaboration of Clinical Commissioning Groups said: “Flu is very serious, it’s different to the common cold and for some can be deadly. The flu vaccine is the best defence we have against what can be a serious illness so please make sure you get vaccinated.”

If you are the main carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill, you may also be eligible for the free flu jab so speak to your GP to check.

If you think you have flu….
Stay home and rest until you feel better. The symptoms of flu include a high temperature, body aches and fatigue.  If you have a long-term health condition such as COPD, bronchitis, diabetes, heart, kidney or liver disease or if you are feeling really unwell call NHS 111for advice on what to do next.

Aside from having your flu vaccine, the best way to prevent the spread of flu is to practice good hand hygiene. Catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue, throw the tissue away and wash your hands.

If you are eligible for the flu vaccine, get it now – it’s free because you need it. Visit www.nhs.uk/fluvaccine for more information.

Stay in touch – visit www.healthiernorthwestlondon.nhs.uk, find us on Twitter @HealthierNWL and Facebook NHS Stay Well #HelpUsHelpYou

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Notes to editors

1. On average, flu kills 8,000 people every year. Flu is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract (nose, mouth, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs). It is a highly infectious illness which spreads rapidly in closed communities and even people with mild or no symptoms can infect others.
2. The North West London Collaboration of Clinical Commissioning Groups plans and buys health care services for more than two million local residents across eight boroughs: Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster. There are 400 GP practices, ten hospitals and four mental health and community health trusts across the eight boroughs.