Protect yourself and others against the flu this winter

Adult social care worker, Reanne Mayer says she is having a free flu vaccination this year because she wants to protect herself and the people she visits.

The 28-year-old who has worked for Stoke-on-Trent City Council for two years has had her vaccination since she started in the role to make sure she doesn’t get sick – and risk passing the illness on to others.
 

She said: “I’d say to anyone who is uncertain about getting the jab to think about others who are around you. If you’re getting yourself vaccinated, you’re lowering the risk of anybody around you getting sick.”

The city council is encouraging those entitled to a free vaccination to book an appointment now. This includes pregnant women, people with learning disabilities and carers.

The city council recommends vaccinations for:

• everyone aged 65 or over
• anyone with long-term health conditions (such as heart disease, asthma or diabetes)
• all children aged two and three, and those from reception to year four at school
• pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy
• everyone who has a learning disability
• anyone caring for an older or disabled person.
   

Flu vaccination is part of the Stay Well This Winter campaign, a joint initiative from NHS England and Public Health England, to help the public ward off common winter illnesses. For more information go to www.nhs.uk/staywell