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Rise in demand for flu jabs in North East Lincolnshire

Rise in demand for flu jabs in North East Lincolnshire

Rise in demand for flu jabs in North East Lincolnshire

Doctors in North East Lincolnshire are facing increased demand for flu jabs.

However patients have been reassured that there is no shortage of the vaccine, following news reports earlier this week that some GPs and pharmacies nationally had run out and were asking people to wait until more stock could be delivered.

Steve Pintus, Director of Public Health, North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Here in North East Lincolnshire the flu vaccination programme has begun and we are responding to increased demand for the vaccine at GP practice clinics.

“There is no shortage of the vaccine and stock is being delivered as part of a phased roll out and will be available over the coming weeks and months.”

Available stocks are being given to the over-65s and high risk groups.

Once those groups have been immunised, healthy 50 to 64-year-olds in England will, for the first time, be eligible for a free flu jab on the NHS.

This is to help protect against the threat of catching flu and coronavirus at the same time this winter, as research shows people can catch both diseases at the same time, with serious and sometimes deadly consequences. There is currently no vaccine for coronavirus.

Mr Pintus continued: “The vulnerable and at risk groups will be prioritised for the vaccine and we are working with local practices to ensure that they will be providing the flu jab throughout the autumn months to those that need to be protected, before extending the vaccination to healthy 50-64 year olds who are also eligible this year, later in the flu programme.

“We would ask that people in this newly eligible group hold off contacting their local practice and asking to book an appointment for their vaccination, in order to ease the pressure and allow staff to manage the flu clinics effectively.”

Head of the Royal College of GPs Prof Martin Marshall urged people to “sit tight” and stressed it was important that all those eligible for the flu jab came forward when told to do so.

Flu, like coronavirus, is a viral infection that is passed on through coughs and sneezes. Social distancing, masks and hand-washing should help reduce the spread.

You can have the NHS flu vaccine at your GP surgery or a pharmacy offering the service.

Most people with flu recover at home in a week, but people with chronic conditions or who are over 65 should call NHS 111.

Anyone who thinks they have either flu or Covid-19 should stay at home and self-isolate.

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