HEALTH leaders at Devon Primary Care Trust (PCT) are urging vulnerable groups in West Devon to protect themselves against flu this year by having a free jab. Their call comes as figures reveal that up-take of the flu jab in Devon dropped by approximately one per cent during the winter of 2006, when 150,000 people had the vaccination. The figures coincide with the launch of this year?s national immunisation campaign. The campaign particularly encourages people with chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes, as well as everyone aged over 65, to protect themselves against the flu virus. Dr Jim O?Brien, consultant in public health at NHS South West, said: ?Many people think that flu is a severe cold when in fact it could be life threatening, and three to four thousand deaths every year are linked to flu. ?Some groups are more at risk from the effects of flu than others. ?For example, if you are asthmatic, have diabetes, or are 65 years of age or over, flu could develop into a more serious illness such as pneumonia or bronchitis. ?I cannot stress enough how important it is for people in these groups to get the jab, which is free and available at your local GP surgery.? Jackie Crang, head of health protection at Devon PCT, said: ?The vaccination takes two minutes and is free for those who are at risk. ?As the vaccine does not contain any actual live flu virus it cannot actually give you the flu. Whilst for the majority of people flu may be nothing more than an unpleasant experience, for some it can be a prolonged debilitating event, which could easily be prevented.? Apart from the elderly, those being advised to get immunised include people with a chronic heart or chest condition such as asthma, kidney disease, diabetes, immune system problems and any other serious medical condition.
