Flu isn’t just a bad cold – it can lead to serious illness, hospitalisation, or even death. Last winter, across mid and south Essex, we saw far too many people admitted to hospital with preventable flu complications.
In our latest blog, local GP Dr Anna Davey explains why getting the flu vaccine is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself, your family, and your community this winter.
Last winter in mid and south Essex:
- Nearly 300 children and young people were admitted to hospital with flu, and more than half of these were emergency admissions.
- More than 2,000 adults were also hospitalised with flu, and 3 in 4 of those were emergency admissions.
- Most of the people hospitalised hadn’t been vaccinated – yet the flu vaccine can reduce hospitalisations by up to 60% in otherwise healthy individuals.
These figures are a powerful reminder that flu can be serious, even for those who consider themselves healthy. For people with long-term conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory problems, the risks are even higher.
Many people still think the flu vaccine is only for older people, but that’s not the case. If you have a long-term health condition such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system, catching flu can be serious – whatever your age. The free NHS flu vaccine can help prevent serious complications and protect your long-term health.
Getting vaccinated only takes a few minutes, but it provides months of protection. Not just for you, but for those around you. When more people are vaccinated, flu spreads less, helping to protect the whole community.
| Ready to book your flu vaccination? |
| Getting your flu jab is straightforward. Contact your GP practice Visit your local pharmacy Or drop in to a walk-in clinic near you |
SWF Health & Social Care Group 