Give swine flu the cold shoulder

Date published: 29/01/2010

Bury’s Health Chief is urging adults most at risk of swine flu to get protected.

Despite the number of cases falling, swine flu still poses a threat and although a mild condition for some, the complications can be severe for those most at risk.

NHS Bury is offering the swine flu vaccination during February 2010 for any eligible adults who may have missed being vaccinated in 2009, or are not able to get vaccinated at their GP surgery.

Dr. Peter Elton, Director of Public Health for NHS Bury said:"We have had a really positive response to the swine flu vaccination campaign in Bury. There are still many adults who have previously been invited who did not feel able to respond first time round. I would urge these patients to have the vaccine - it’s not too late.”

“People with underlying health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, and pregnant women, are more vulnerable to catching the virus and at risk of experiencing complications. It’s really important to get protected now."

Anna Pani from Bury received the swine flu vaccination, she said: “I was really pleased to be given the opportunity to protect myself from swine flu. Every year I’m invited to have the seasonal flu vaccination, so I didn’t hesitate to have the swine flu jab as well. In addition to keeping myself healthy, I have caring responsibilities for a family member, so it’s good to know I don’t have to worry about swine flu. I would encourage others who are invited to have the vaccine to get protected.”

Adults currently eligible for the vaccine include: 

• People aged between six months and 65 years in the seasonal flu vaccine at-risk groups** 
• Pregnant women 
• People who live with those whose immune systems are compromised, such as cancer patients or people with HIV/AIDS 
• People aged 65 and over in the seasonal flu vaccine at-risk groups** 
• Frontline health and social care workers

The sessions will take place on the following days:

• 1 February, 9am-12pm, Sedgley Children’s Centre, Bishops Road, Prestwich (Drop-in clinic & egg allergy clinic*)
• 3 February, 5pm-7pm, Bury Walk-in-Centre, Moorgate Primary Care Centre, Bury (Drop-in clinic)
• 4 February, 1pm-3pm, Radcliffe Civic Suite, Thomas Street, Radcliffe (Drop-in clinic)
• 8 February, 10am-12pm, Bury Carers Centre, Silver Street, Bury (appointment only – please call 0161 763 4867)
• 10 February, 5pm-7pm, Coronation Road Children’s Centre, Radcliffe (Drop-in clinic)
• 11 February, 1pm-3pm, Longfield Suite, Longfield Centre, Prestwich (Drop-in clinic)
• 12 February, 1pm-3pm, Woodbank with Elton Children’s Centre, Brandlesholme Road, Bury (Drop-in clinic)
• 15 February, 5pm-7pm, Redvales Children’s Centre, Dorset Drive, Bury (Drop-in clinic)
• 17 February, 1pm-3pm, Ramsbottom Civic Hall, Market Chambers, Ramsbottom (Drop-in clinic)
• 22 February, 5pm-7pm, Bury Walk-in-Centre, Moorgate Primary Care Centre, Bury (Drop-in clinic & egg allergy clinic*)
• 24 February, 1pm-3pm, Whitefield Health Centre, Bury New Road, Whitefield (Drop-in clinic & egg allergy clinic*)
• 25 February, 1pm-3pm, Coronation Road Children’s Centre, Radcliffe (Drop-in clinic)

*If you have an egg allergy, or for further information about the sessions, please contact NHS Bury’s flu team on 0161 272 4049.