1 November 2017

The following information is from our partners at Shropshire Council

Health organisations across Shropshire are urging those who care for an older or disabled person to stay well this winter, and protect themselves and the person they care for against flu by asking their GP or pharmacist about the free vaccine.

Flu can be far more serious for the person you care for than you think. It can lead to serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and could even land them in hospital. The flu jab is the best way to protect yourself and the person you care for from flu.

Dr Irfan Ghani, Public Health Consultant at Shropshire Council said: “Flu is a highly infectious disease and can lead to serious complications, particularly for those who are older or disabled. I would urge all carers to speak to their GP or pharmacist about the free flu jab and protect themselves, as well as the person they care for.”

Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health, adult social care and housing, and chair of Shropshire’s Health and Well-Being Board, added: “If you are caring for someone, falling ill can become a worry. I would like to encourage all carers to ask their GP or pharmacist about the free flu vaccination to help keep themselves well, as well as the person you are caring for.”

For more information on how to stay well this winter, visit https://www.nhs.uk/staywell/.