FLU JABS WARNING.MERSEYSIDE health chiefs are warning of a flu outbreak this winter as figures show only around half of people over 65 are having jabs. Dr Paula Grey, Central Liverpool primary care trust's director of public health, said elderly people were putting themselves at risk. She said: ``We are very concerned that despite a huge effort by doctors' surgeries, only 54% of patients over 65 have taken up the offer of a free flu jab. ``Flu is not only uncomfortable but can kill. It is important that patients go to their doctor's surgery and get their jab as soon as possible. ``Many people think that because they had the jab last year they are covered, but they are not.'' Liverpool GP Dr Rob Barnett said: ``The clinical evidence indicates that people aged over 65, as well as those who have chronic illnesses such as asthma asthma (ăz`mə, ăs`–), chronic inflammatory respiratory disease characterized by periodic attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, and a tight feeling in the chest. A cough producing sticky mucus is symptomatic. , diabetes and heart disease, would benefit from being vaccinated against flu.'' Across North and South Liverpool only 55% of patients over 65 have had the flu jab from their doctor. The figure is 59% in Bebington and West Wirral and in Birkenhead and Wallasey it is 54%. Birkenhead pensioner PENSIONER. One who is supported by an allowance at the will of another. It is more usually applied to him who receives an annuity or pension from the government. Louise Broadfield, 79, is spearheading Wirral Health's bid to raise awareness of the flu jab. Louise was the first in the queue Pronounced "Q." A temporary holding place for data. See queuing, message queue and print queue. (programming) queue - A first-in first-out data structure used to sequence objects. Objects are added to the tail of the queue ("enqueued") and taken off the head ("dequeued"). to take up the free injection and doctors were so impressed im·press 1 tr.v. im·pressed, im·press·ing, im·press·es 1. To affect strongly, often favorably: they asked her to front their campaign. Having suffered from a severe bout of flu 12 years ago, she has not missed a year since. The great-grandmother said: ``I would advise everyone around my age to protect themselves with the flu jab, even if they are fit and healthy like me.'' A Wirral Health spokesman said: ``This is a three-month campaign and already we are making progress in protecting the most vulnerable. ``But it will only be effective when as many people as possible have the jab.'' CONTACT YOUR GP THE flu jab is available free at GP surgeries across Merseyside. For more information please call NHS Direct NHS Direct is the name of a 24 hour, confidential telephone, online and interactive digital TV health advice and information service provided by the National Health Service in England and Wales. The service is provided by the NHS Direct Trust. on 0845 4647. CAPTION(S): SAFE: Louise Broadfield gets her flu jab from nurse Angela Sheridan |
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