GWENT is leading the way in Wales on flu vaccinations this year, with more than two-thirds of people aged 65 and over already having received their free jab on the NHS.
Almost half of those aged six months-64 years old in Gwent who are in a recognised ‘at risk’ group have been vaccinated too, also the highest proportion in Wales for this category.
The latest vaccination figures, published by Public Health Wales, coincide with Wales’ chief medical officer Dr Ruth Hussey urging everyone who is eligible for a free flu jab to get one if they have not yet done so.
There has been an increase in the number of people seeking medical help with flu-like symptoms in recent weeks, with the latest consultation rate being 9.6 per 100,000 people registered with a GP. That is still low, but Public Health Wales is warning that the data suggests that flu is circulating in Wales.
The rate differs between age groups, the highest currently being a 22.2 per 100,000 among 25-34 year-olds.
Dr Hussey said: “Flu spreads easily and can cause serious illness.
“Many people think that flu is just a bad cold but in fact it is much worse and can lead to other severe health complications.
“People know that the vaccine is available for the over-65s, but many people living with other health conditions aren’t always aware that they can get vaccinated as well. It is really important that people who are in at-risk groups do get vaccinated.
“If you are eligible for the flu vaccine, talk to your GP surgery, local health clinic, community pharmacy or NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47.”
In Gwent, 67.5 per cent (almost 69,000) of those aged 65 and over have been vaccinated, and 49.2 per cent (more than 29,000) of those aged between six months and 64 years old have been vaccinated since the latest programme began in October.
These are the best rates in these categories among health board areas in Wales, though only 37.2 per cent of NHS staff in Gwent (5,000) have been vaccinated, a rate below the Welsh average.
People eligible for the free vaccine are: aged 65 or over; living in long stay residential care; living with long-term respiratory disease, such as severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchitis; living with a long-term heart, renal or liver disease; living with a neurological disease, such as Parkinson’s disease; living with diabetes; living with a weakened immune system due to disease (such as HIV/Aids) or treatment (such as cancer treatment); volunteer carers; pregnant women; members of voluntary first aid organisations; community first responders; children aged two, three or four years August 31 2014.