Essex residents with long-term health conditions urged to get flu jab

The NHS is urging adults aged 16 to 64 in Essex with long-term health conditions to receive a free flu vaccination before winter. Targeted groups include individuals with diabetes, heart disease, or suppressed immune systems.

Dr. Matthew Sweeting, executive medical director, warned that influenza can be fatal for those with underlying conditions, noting that what may feel like a minor illness to some can lead to hospitalisation or serious complications for others. Data from the UK Health Security Agency indicated that flu vaccinations prevented approximately 104,000 hospital admissions and 7,100 deaths in England during the previous winter.

In Essex, only 38 per cent of under-65s with long-term conditions received the vaccine last season, during which 1,226 adults were admitted to hospital with flu-related illnesses, 95 per cent of which were emergency cases. Bookings for eligible adults opened on October 1, with clinics available at pharmacies and GP practices.