Menu
01/10/2003
Health department clears up flu jab 'misunderstandings'
Some people aged 65 years and over are not claiming their free flu vaccinations because of "serious misunderstandings", according to research published today by the Department of Health.
Published to coincide with the International Day of Older Persons 1 October, the data concluded that more than half (52%) of people aged 65 and over believed that the flu jab gives flu to the patient. However, the department of health has made it clear that the flu vaccine "is not live" and therefore cannot give flu to a patient.
Flu and flu-related illnesses are a real worry for nearly two-thirds (65%) of older people. Despite this, the survey shows that many people don't understand the life-saving benefits that the flu jab can bring.
Over 400,000 people in the UK will turn 65 this year and they are urged to take advantage of the free vaccination, alongside all over 65s and people who could be 'at risk' because they have other medical conditions.
Nearly half (48%) of the people planning to have the flu jab said their main motivation is they 'just don't want to get flu', whilst nearly a quarter (22%) claim it is because they want to stay active.
The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Liam Donaldson said: "After a series of mild winters, it is easy to be complacent about the threat of flu, but few realise that between 3,000 and 4,000 deaths are attributable to the complications of flu each year.
"Our message is a simple one - if you are aged 65 or over or in an 'at risk' group, for example if you have chronic asthma or diabetes, get your free jab and stay well this winter. Don't let these myths discourage you from being vaccinated."
Flu jab advocates include Terry Wogan, Bruce Forsyth, Nina Wadia and actress Dame Diana Rigg.
The Department of Health is also launching the Keep Warm Keep Well campaign on 1 October. The campaign aims to reduce the number of cold-related illnesses and deaths this winter.
Older people, their carers, health and social care professionals and other vulnerable people can call a special Winter Warmth Advice Line (Freephone 0800 085 7000) for practical help on staying warm and keeping healthy.
There is also a free Winter Guide available from the advice line with a range of practical tips.
(gmcg)
Published to coincide with the International Day of Older Persons 1 October, the data concluded that more than half (52%) of people aged 65 and over believed that the flu jab gives flu to the patient. However, the department of health has made it clear that the flu vaccine "is not live" and therefore cannot give flu to a patient.
Flu and flu-related illnesses are a real worry for nearly two-thirds (65%) of older people. Despite this, the survey shows that many people don't understand the life-saving benefits that the flu jab can bring.
Over 400,000 people in the UK will turn 65 this year and they are urged to take advantage of the free vaccination, alongside all over 65s and people who could be 'at risk' because they have other medical conditions.
Nearly half (48%) of the people planning to have the flu jab said their main motivation is they 'just don't want to get flu', whilst nearly a quarter (22%) claim it is because they want to stay active.
The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Liam Donaldson said: "After a series of mild winters, it is easy to be complacent about the threat of flu, but few realise that between 3,000 and 4,000 deaths are attributable to the complications of flu each year.
"Our message is a simple one - if you are aged 65 or over or in an 'at risk' group, for example if you have chronic asthma or diabetes, get your free jab and stay well this winter. Don't let these myths discourage you from being vaccinated."
Flu jab advocates include Terry Wogan, Bruce Forsyth, Nina Wadia and actress Dame Diana Rigg.
The Department of Health is also launching the Keep Warm Keep Well campaign on 1 October. The campaign aims to reduce the number of cold-related illnesses and deaths this winter.
Older people, their carers, health and social care professionals and other vulnerable people can call a special Winter Warmth Advice Line (Freephone 0800 085 7000) for practical help on staying warm and keeping healthy.
There is also a free Winter Guide available from the advice line with a range of practical tips.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 October 2004
Free flu jab campaign launched today
The elderly, asthmatic and diabetes sufferers, have been urged to get the free flu jab before winter arrives – so protecting themselves against an illness which kills up to 4,000 people a year. Backed by Manchester United footballer, and asthma sufferer, Paul Scholes, the health department's flu immunisation campaign was launched today.
Free flu jab campaign launched today
The elderly, asthmatic and diabetes sufferers, have been urged to get the free flu jab before winter arrives – so protecting themselves against an illness which kills up to 4,000 people a year. Backed by Manchester United footballer, and asthma sufferer, Paul Scholes, the health department's flu immunisation campaign was launched today.
28 September 2007
Young At-Risk People Urged To Get Flu Jab
More than two million at-risk young people are failing to get their flu jab, the UK's Chief Medical Officer has warned.
Young At-Risk People Urged To Get Flu Jab
More than two million at-risk young people are failing to get their flu jab, the UK's Chief Medical Officer has warned.
03 October 2005
Flu jab call for most vulnerable
A campaign urging over-65s and children with health problems to get the flu vaccination has been launched by the government. The annual flu jab is available free of charge to those aged over 65, care-home residents and those who suffer from diseases such as diabetes, heart or kidney disease and asthma.
Flu jab call for most vulnerable
A campaign urging over-65s and children with health problems to get the flu vaccination has been launched by the government. The annual flu jab is available free of charge to those aged over 65, care-home residents and those who suffer from diseases such as diabetes, heart or kidney disease and asthma.
03 October 2011
'Get Flu Jab' Urges Top Medic
It has been claimed that people "are playing Russian roulette with their lives" every year by not protecting themselves against seasonal flu. The Chief Medical Officer has also warned people to get vaccinated against yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A before jetting off on exotic holidays to Thailand or Africa.
'Get Flu Jab' Urges Top Medic
It has been claimed that people "are playing Russian roulette with their lives" every year by not protecting themselves against seasonal flu. The Chief Medical Officer has also warned people to get vaccinated against yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A before jetting off on exotic holidays to Thailand or Africa.
22 November 2010
Flu Experts Urge Patients To Have The Jab
People at risk of complications from seasonal flu are being reminded of the importance to get themselves protected by taking advantage of the annual free flu jabs. Experts are seeing that the rates of people taking advantage of the seasonal flu vaccine are slightly lower than at the same point in previous years.
Flu Experts Urge Patients To Have The Jab
People at risk of complications from seasonal flu are being reminded of the importance to get themselves protected by taking advantage of the annual free flu jabs. Experts are seeing that the rates of people taking advantage of the seasonal flu vaccine are slightly lower than at the same point in previous years.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
