Don't miss out on flu jabs (From Warrington Guardian)

Don't miss out on flu jabs

WARRINGTON Primary Care Trust (PCT) is issuing a seasonal reminder to everyone aged 65 and over with serious medical conditions to ensure that they have their free flu jab as soon as possible.

In the Warrington area, 374 deaths were attributed to flu or pneumonia between 2001 and 2003.

You are considered to be in an 'at risk' group if you have: lung, heart or kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, lowered immunity due to a disease (such as problems with your spleen) or medical treatment (such as chemotherapy), any other serious medical condition or live in a nursing, residential or long stay home.

Flu vaccination is available free of charge to all these groups, as well as the over 65s. You can make an appointment by ringing your GP's surgery.

Kerry Broadhead, health improvement assistant director for adults at Warrington PCT, said: "Weather forecasters are predicting an especially cold January, February and March, therefore it is wise to take every possible precaution to keep well. Flu vaccination is such a simple way of helping to keep yourself healthy."