Verwood Rotary members supported the Cranborne Practice on Saturday 4th of October with their annual drive through vaccination clinics. Rotary members assisted in traffic flow and ensuing all site users were safe.

Getting the annual flu vaccination in the UK is a vital public health measure with significant benefits for individuals, vulnerable groups, and the National Health Service (NHS).

The key importance of the flu jab can be summarised in three main areas:

1. Protection Against Serious Illness and Death

The flu is far more serious than a bad cold; it is a highly infectious disease that can lead to severe complications.

  • Prevents Severe Illness: For most people, the vaccine significantly reduces the risk of catching the flu. If a vaccinated person does get the flu, the symptoms are likely to be milder and shorter in duration, reducing the need for GP visits or hospital care.
  • Averts Complications: Flu can lead to life-threatening complications, especially in at-risk groups, including bronchitis and pneumonia. In the worst cases, it can result in permanent disability or death.
  • Saves Lives: Estimates show the flu vaccine can prevent a substantial number of hospitalisations each winter, directly saving lives and reducing severe morbidity.

2. Protecting Vulnerable Populations (Community Immunity)

The flu jab is particularly crucial for safeguarding those who are most at risk of severe illness.

  • At-Risk Adults: The vaccine is offered free on the NHS to:
    • Everyone aged 65 and over.
    • People aged 18 to 65 with certain long-term health conditions (like chronic respiratory, heart, kidney, or liver disease, and diabetes).
    • Those with a weakened immune system.
  • Protecting Children: The nasal spray vaccine is offered to many children, including all primary and some secondary school-aged children, and those aged 2 and 3. This not only protects them but also significantly reduces the spread of the virus to more vulnerable family members, like grandparents.
  • Protecting Pregnant Women and Babies: Flu in pregnancy is linked to complications like premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. The vaccine can be given safely at any stage of pregnancy and passes on essential short-term immunity to the baby for the first few months of life.

3. Reducing Pressure on the NHS

Flu typically peaks during the winter months when the NHS is already under significant pressure. By reducing the number of people who become seriously ill:

  • Frees up Resources: The vaccine prevents thousands of hospital admissions, freeing up vital beds, staff time, and resources for those with other serious conditions or emergencies.
  • Maintains Workforce: It helps protect frontline health and social care workers from getting ill, ensuring hospitals, GP practices, and care homes can remain fully staffed to look after patients.

Why is an Annual Jab Necessary?

The flu virus is constantly evolving. Therefore, the vaccine is updated every year to match the specific strains expected to circulate in the upcoming winter season, and protection from the vaccine naturally decreases over time, making an annual dose essential.