Flu Vaccine Can't Give you Flu
30/10/2006

The Flu Immunisation Programme is underway across the Northern Board area.  Vaccination is recommended for individuals aged 65 years and over as well as younger people with high risk conditions such as chronic chest disease including asthma, chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, diabetes and impaired immunity.

Careers should seek advice from their GP Practice as to whether they should be vaccinated so that they can continue to look after the person that they care for.

Dr Michael Devine, Communicable Disease Consultant, Northern Board, said:

“I would like to encourage everyone who is eligible to take up the offer of the vaccine.” Mrs Hazel Baird, Director of Nursing, Dental and Governance, Homefirst Community Trust, stressed the importance of the Flu Immunisation Programme in offering protection.   She said:

“Many people are vulnerable to the flu and it can be very serious.  It can result in admission to hospital and in some cases contribute to death.   Vaccination is a safe and effective means of protecting people from influenza.”

Dr Devine said:

“Each year, a new vaccine is developed to protect against the type of flu that is expected.   It is important that people who are aged 65 years and over and also those individuals identified as being “at risk” should have the vaccine each year to ensure that they continue to be protected.    The vaccine does not contain live virus and so cannot cause the flu.”

Dr Denis Boyd, Medical Adviser, Family Practitioner Unit, Northern Board, said:

“I would urge those individuals who receive an invite from their GP for the flu vaccination to come forward when called.   Vaccination is a safe and effective means of offering protection.”

Dr Joe Wilson, Rockfield Medical Centre, Ballymena said:

“The vaccination is important for people who would be particularly vulnerable to influenza infection, especially people with chronic chest disease including asthma, chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, diabetes and impaired immunity.”

Information leaflets highlighting the benefits of the flu vaccine are available from GP surgeries and pharmacies