Local MP Rebecca Harris visited her local community Pharmacy to get this season’s flu vaccine and to encourage her constituents to do the same.

Each year, seasonal flu puts a significant strain on all parts of the NHS. Catching the flu is miserable for any of us and many people can get over it with rest and fluids. However for some people in high-risk groups, such as the elderly and those with long-term conditions, it can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

Rebecca visited Elora Pharmacy in South Benfleet where pharmacist Bharat Patel provided a flu jab to protect her over the winter period.

Rebecca said:

“The best way to help protect yourself against the flu is to get the flu vaccine. I would urge everyone who is eligible to a free flu vaccine to go and visit their GP or pharmacist. It not only will you help but it also helps support the NHS.”

The flu vaccine is offered free of charge on the NHS to people who are at risk. You should have the flu vaccine if you:

• are 65 years of age or over   
• are pregnant 
• have certain medical conditions 
• are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility 
• receive a carer's allowance, or you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill
• are a frontline health and social care worker

Bharat Patel said:

“We are proud to support the flu jab campaign this winter. Even if you aren’t eligible to receive a free flu, you can still come in for private flu vaccine for just £10. No appointment necessary. It is not just the flu jab that Community Pharmacies offer. They have many more services including help quitting smoking, health checks, medicine use reviews, support with new medicines etc. and all are available free of charge.”