Rt Hon David Evennett, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford recently attended the Westminster Flu Day on Wednesday 19 October, a flu vaccine clinic held in Parliament, to encourage people to get this season’s flu vaccine in line with Government recommendations.
He also took the advantage of having a flu vaccination himself.
59% of at-risk people and 34% of people over the age of 65 in Bexley area were not vaccinated against flu last year, even though the consequences of not having a flu vaccine can be serious. This compares to around 55% nationally of at-risk patients and 30% of people over the age of 65.
Mr Evennett commented: “The best way to help protect yourself against the flu is to get the flu vaccine. I urge everyone who is entitled to a free flu vaccine to go and visit their GP or pharmacist.”
Nicola Blackwood MP, Public Health Minister added: “Make sure you get your flu jab this winter it is good to protect yourself”.
Helen Donovan, Professional Lead for Public Health Nursing at the Royal College of Nursing said “People in certain groups, such as pregnant women, people who are immunosuppressed and people with an underlying health condition such as liver disease and heart disease, are at significantly increased risk of severe complications and dying as a result of flu.”
Westminster Flu Day is an established event in the Parliamentary calendar. It is sponsored by the ABPI Vaccine Group in partnership with the Royal College of Nursing and Carers Trust and with the support of the Department of Health and Public Health England.