News Archive

Get the Jab, Get Flu Safe

From October 2012, NHS Nottinghamshire County is encouraging people at greater risk from the flu virus to get flu safe with a free flu jab from their GP.  Flu Safe is a national NHS campaign to highlight the importance of getting the jab, and dispel common misconceptions.

Flu is a highly contagious infection that anyone can catch, and it can be really serious for some.  People at most risk include those aged 65 or over, pregnant women, and those with health conditions such as severe asthma, chest or heart complaints, and diabetes. 

The flu vaccine changes every year to fight the latest strains of flu, so even if you had a jab last winter you need another one this year to stay flu safe.  The jab doesn't contain the 'live' virus so it cannot give you the flu.

If you're in any of the 'at risk' groups, the flu jab is completely free, and is a safe way of protecting you and your family in a matter of minutes.

Simply contact your GP to arrange a convenient appointment and get your jab. It's quick, safe and free for those most at risk from the flu virus.

For more information, speak to your GP or local pharmacist, or visit www.nhs.uk/flu.

Flu Facts - did you know?

• The flu jab can't give you flu
• The flu jab is perfectly safe
• The flu virus changes, so you need a flu jab every year
• If you're pregnant, the flu jab doesn't harm your unborn baby. In fact it can protect your baby from flu for the first few months of life
• The flu jab also protects against swine flu
• The flu jab isn't just for older people - pregnant women, those with health conditions, carers, and those with weakened immunity should all get the jab
• The flu jab protects people of all ages
• Flu isn't just a cold, it can be a really serious illness

Photo Opportunity - Celebrating Older People's Day 2012

Monday 1 October, 10.00-12.30pm, Stapleford Care Centre

Keeping Broxtowe's Older People Healthy

NHS Nottingham West Clinical Commissioning Group is hosting a special event on behalf of Broxtowe Health Partnership to celebrate Older People's Day 2012. 

There will be various health information stalls at Stapleford Care Centre on Monday 1 October from 10.00-12.30pm, including healthy eating and oral health advice along with Age UK and Nottingham Energy Partnership. 

There will also be a stall showing Stapleford's history and a 'Movement to music' exercise class; a fun and friendly way to improve balance, strength and flexibility.

The annual Older People's Day falls on 1 October.  This year, the focus of the day is about encouraging older people to stay healthy, active and independent for as long as possible. 

All ages are welcome to attend the event.  Everyone has a parent or grandparent, colleague or friend who they look to for advice and to learn from - Older People's Day is all about bringing older and younger people together to create better understanding and respect.

For more information about Older People's Day events, visit www.dwp.gov.uk/olderpeoplesday

For more information about the event please call 0115 8835163

Get the Jab, Get Flu Safe

As the autumn sets in and winter approaches, it's time for those at greatest risk from flu to protect themselves and their families, and get flu safe with a free flu jab.

Flu is a highly contagious infection that anyone can catch, and it can be a really serious illness for some.  Those at greater risk from flu include people aged 65 or over, pregnant women, and those with health conditions such as severe asthma, chest or heart complaints and diabetes.

From October 2012, those people at most risk will be encouraged to get flu safe with a free flu jab from their GP.  The NHS in England is launching the new Flu Safe campaign to remind people that they should get a flu jab. Flu Safe is a national message to highlight the importance of getting the jab, and carries facts about flu to dispel common misconceptions.

Caroline Jordan, Senior Nurse, Public Health NHS Nottingham said: "Flu is not like a cold - it can be a really serious illness for some people and it doesn't just affect older people. If you're pregnant, have lowered immunity or a long term health condition such as severe asthma, a chest or heart complaint, or diabetes, then you should also get a free flu jab from your GP and get flu safe.  The flu jab is completely safe, and it can't give you flu."

NHS Nottingham City and NHS Nottinghamshire County are encouraging everyone in the area who knows anyone who may be at risk from flu to tell them how important it is that they get protected. People who are carers and frontline health and social care staff are also encouraged to get a free jab to protect themselves and those around them.

The flu vaccine changes every year to fight the latest strains of flu, so even if you had a jab last winter you need another one this year to stay flu safe.  The jab doesn't contain the 'live' virus so it cannot give you the flu.

Caroline Jordan added: "Flu can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and can make existing conditions much worse. Flu can knock you off your feet and make it hard to look after the kids or go to work.  In the most serious cases, seasonal flu might land you in hospital - it can even be a killer."

"If you're in any of the 'at risk' groups, the flu jab is completely free and is a safe way of protecting you and your family."

The best time to be vaccinated is at the start of the flu season from October to early November, so it's good to get in early and get flu safe in time for the winter.

Simply contact your GP to arrange a convenient appointment and get your jab. It's quick, safe and free for those most at risk from the virus.

For more information, speak to your GP or local pharmacist, or visit www.nhs.uk/flu.

Have your say on Healthwatch

Healthwatch Nottinghamshire will be the new social care and health consumer champion from April 2013. The service will be run independently and it will make sure that the views of the public and people who use health and social care services are taken into account. If you want to have your say on how Healthwatch will run, please complete the online questionnaire by 5pm on 7 September:

http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/caring/yourhealth/healthwatch/

Copies of the questionnaire are also available at all Nottinghamshire libraries or by phoning Nottinghamshire County Council on 08449 80 80 80.