Flu jab warning for people with diabetes

People with diabetes have been reminded to get their annual flu vaccination, as one of the clinical “at risk” groups.

Along with people aged over 65, pregnant women and frontline healthcare workers, people with diabetes, classed as a serious medical condition, are eligible for a free jab, which they should have been invited to receive by their GP.

However, a recent report from the Health Protection Agency showed that not all of those “at risk” had taken up the offer.

Figures from the HPA’s Weekly National Influenza Report published last week showed that 61 per cent of over 65’s, 16 per cent of pregnant women and 37 per cent of those in a clinical risk group aged under 65 years have been vaccinated to date.

While it is not yet known which flu strains will be most common this winter, getting vaccinated now will provide important protection over the coming winter months against the strains that do circulate – including H1N1 ‘swine’ flu.

Last winter 602 confirmed flu deaths were reported to the HPA. Where the strain of flu virus was known, H1N1 was linked to 90 per cent of the confirmed flu deaths. Seven out of 10 of the fatal confirmed flu cases were in an “at risk” group.

Dr Richard Pebody, head of flu surveillance at the HPA said: “If you are in one of the clinical at risk groups, you still have time to get vaccinated this season. Flu vaccination is an important part of keeping the UK population as healthy as possible each winter. “Seasonal flu can be very serious and results in between two and five thousand excess deaths each year. GPs are now inviting those in a clinical at-risk group to be vaccinated. Please ensure you take up the offer as soon as possible to reduce your risk of serious complications from flu.”

For more information on flu vaccinations and at risk groups visit:

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Flu-jab/Pages/Whyitshouldbedone.aspx

The Health Protection Agency flu report can be found at: