Cambridge residents who are eligible for this winter’s flu jab are being encouraged to take it by the city’s MP Julian Huppert. He has given his support to this year’s flu immunisation programme for vulnerable people and those working on front-line NHS services.

The vaccination is also being offered to all two and three-year-old children for the first time this year as the first stage of a programme to vaccinate two to 16-year-olds to reduce the spread of the infection. It is anticipated this could lead to up to 40 per cent less people being treated in hospital for flu.

Julian said: “For most people flu is a relatively mild illness and, although unpleasant, with rest they will make a full recovery. But for some people flu can be extremely serious and that’s why it’s important for them to get the flu vaccine.
“The elderly, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions should get in touch with their GPs and take the vaccine. It’s also being offered to young children this year and it is important that they have the vaccine to cut down the spread of the illness.
“We have one of the highest coverage rates for flu vaccination in the world and we are working to increase this even further; but we can only do that if people take up the vaccination when it is offered.”

Romsey Councillor Paul Saunders said “This is particularly important for Carers. If someone relies on you do consider how they will manage if you are ill.”

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