Deputy Mayor calls on others to get flu jab

The Deputy Mayor of Dudley received his flu vaccine at a borough clinic and is urging others to have theirs too.

Councillor Mushtaq Hussain called into Well Pharmacy on The Northway in Sedgley to receive his free annual vaccine, ahead of the winter season when the infection is at its peak.

People are eligible to have the flu vaccine if they have certain health conditions, are over the age of 65, pregnant, or in long-stay residential care.

Those receiving carer’s allowance or living with someone with a weakened immune system are also eligible, as are frontline health and social care workers.

Anyone eligible for a free flu vaccine will get an invite from their GP. They can also go to a local pharmacy offering the vaccine, or for pregnant women, through maternity services.

A free nasal spray vaccine is also available to children who are aged two and three, as well as those attending primary or secondary school. Parents or guardians of school pupils who are eligible will receive an electronic consent form, which they will need to complete to approve to their child getting the vaccine, with a porcine-gelatine free vaccine also available.

Councillor Mushtaq Hussain, Deputy Mayor of Dudley Council, said: “Flu spreads more easily in winter as we spend more time together indoors and sadly this can cause serious illness.

“I am having the flu vaccine today to help protect me and the people around me. I also want to promote the value to others in my age group in getting this done.

“The flu vaccine is an important free service offered to thousands of people across the borough every year, and I would urge those who are eligible to get vaccinated.

“I would also like to remind parents and guardians of school aged children to look out for the consent form to ensure they can receive the vaccine in school.”

To check eligibility for a free vaccine and to book online, people can go to nhs.uk/wintervaccinations.