Vulnerable urged to get flu jab protection

This year's vaccine includes protection against the H1N1 swine flu virus and Dr Maria Read, a Sheffield-based specialist in chronic respiratory diseases, has warned "at-risk" patients not to miss out.

Dr Read, a GP at Dovercourt Surgery in Wybourn, said: "Flu is not just a bad cold, it is a serious virus that can pose a significant danger to health, particularly to at risk groups.

"If they are unprotected, they have a much higher risk of becoming very ill, developing pneumonia and requiring hospital admission.

"In Sheffield we seem to have a problem in getting particular groups such as asthmatics into flu clinics.

"I think people are worried that the vaccine will leave them with a cold but that is much less dangerous to them than getting flu.

"Having the vaccine can make all the difference between staying well this winter and getting an awful infection and ending up in hospital."

Those considered to be "at risk" include pregnant women, the elderly and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and asthma.

About 15 million people in the UK have the jab, which must be given every year because it is altered to match the flu strains in circulation. This year's injection will protect against three strains of flu, including swine flu.

Dr Read added: "We would encourage everyone who is invited to have the seasonal flu vaccine to do so. The vaccination is quick and safe and all our GP practices are inviting at risk patients to attend flu clinics.

"The message is don't take a risk with your health, keep that appointment."

People eligible for the vaccine will usually be contacted by their GP, or their employer if they are a healthcare worker.