As reported on the Birmingham City Council website, councillors from different areas across Birmingham have joined forces to encourage the eligible citizens to have a free NHS flu vaccination.
Birmingham City Councillors were offered the free flu jab from the NHS as part of their role in being key public figures. This will ensure they stay protected from the flu this winter while also reducing their chances of passing on infectious diseases to vulnerable members of their families and the wider Birmingham community.
It’s reported that 1 in 4 people are at risk of getting the flu, but the vaccination rates are still below the national average in Birmingham and wider West Midlands areas such as Black Country and Solihull.
Colder winters can increase attendance in the NHS when winter viruses can be avoidable diseases.
To improve vaccination rates, the communities at Birmingham and West Midlands should support one another, prevent the spread of flu and support NHS services by reducing the pressure on them.
Councillor Nosheen Khalid, a cabinet member for Health and Social Care at Birmingham City Council encouraged people that, “We all have a part to play in keeping ourselves and our communities healthy this winter.”
She finished off by saying that, “Getting your flu immunisation when you’re eligible is a simple step that can make a real difference, helping to protect you as well as those around you who may be more vulnerable.”
Mr Ian Sharp, Medical advisor at NHS Birmingham, Solihull and NHS Black Country ICBs praised the Birmingham City Councillors in his statement, “Councillors play an important role as trusted leaders in their communities, so it’s fantastic to see them taking up the offer of a flu vaccination and leading by example.”
He warned that, “Flu can have serious complications for those most vulnerable in our communities, and we know that our uptake isn’t as good as it needs to be to ensure we are protecting as many people as possible.
Ian Sharp encouraged people that, “By getting your free NHS flu vaccination, you are not only reducing the likelihood of getting the virus yourself, but limiting your chance of passing it on to those you may come into contact – grandparents, children, vulnerable work colleagues and those in the local community.”
The people eligible for a free NHS Flu Vaccine include:
- People aged 65 and over (including members of society who will be 65 by 31st March 2027).
- People aged 18-64 and who have long term health conditions.
- Women that are pregnant and these vaccines can be given at any stage of pregnancy.
- People who live in a care home.
- The main carers for the elderly or disabled.
- Those who receive a carer’s allowance.
- People who live with someone with a weak immune system.
- People aged 16 and over who are sleeping rough or staying in a homeless hostel and night shelter.
- Children aged 2 and up.
The article by Birmingham City Council finished with the information of how to get a vaccine,
- Eligible people can book a vaccination appointment online through the NHS app.
- Contacting your GP
- Visiting your local pharmacy.
- Some people can get the vaccine through maternity services or care home, or through employers if they are a health or social care worker.
- School children will also be invited to receive their vaccine via a school aged immunisations services.
And for religious people, a version of the vaccine without pork will be available through a request.
Sources:
