Medical chiefs encourage flu jab

This year, they are rolling up their sleeves and getting the jab themselves.

The seasonal flu vaccination programme now well underway in local communities and among NHS workers. Board members are appealing to people who are eligible for a free flu vaccination and to all NHS staff to take up the offer to protect themselves, their loved ones and their patients.

Board members queued up to get their vaccination which will protect them against 
flu and also prevent them passing the flu virus onto others.

All NHS staff are encouraged to have a flu vaccination to ensure that they are protected and do not pass the virus onto vulnerable patients.

As board members regularly visit health premises and meet with staff and patients as part of their role it is important that they are also protected against the potentially deadly virus.

Andrew Robertson, Chairman of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Board, told The Extra: “Flu is a very serious illness and people with pre-existing health conditions are especially vulnerable to flu”.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to get their jab as it is the only protection against flu

““It is also especially important for NHS and social care staff to get their vaccination. They often come into contact with very ill people and we should not take the risk of passing the flu virus onto people who are already very ill”.

Those with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, chronic heart disease, chronic kidney failure, multiple sclerosis, liver problems (such as cirrhosis/hepatitis), diabetes, HIV infection and many other health conditions are encouraged to take the flu jab.

As are those who are pregnant, 65 or over and NHS staff.

For more info, visit www.nhsggc.org.uk or see your local GP.