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Flu campaign launches in Knowsley

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A campaign encouraging children under 18 with long term health conditions to have a flu vaccination has been launched in Knowsley.

Knowsley Council’s Public Health team is appealing to parents and carers of children and young people suffering from certain health conditions, including asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, to contact their GP for their free flu vaccination.

The message: ‘Got a child under 18? Flu can be serious for children with long term conditions’ will appear on adverts across the borough – including taxi sides, telephone boxes and bus rears, as well as posters and information leaflets in public places.

Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health in Knowsley said “For the majority of people, flu is an unpleasant, but not life-threatening illness. However, it can be very serious for these children and young people. Even if their condition is well managed, they may not be able to fight off flu as effectively as other children can, or it might make their existing condition worse.

“Vaccination is the best way to protect against the potential serious harm from flu this winter. I urge everyone entitled to a free vaccination, to take up the offer and protect yourself this winter.”

Another group targeted by the campaign are pregnant women, who are also eligible for free flu vaccinations. The vaccination reduces the risk of complications and potential harmful consequences for women and their babies if they catch flu e.g. premature birth. Health or social care workers are also encouraged to have a flu vaccination to protect their patients and service users from infection.

For further information visit NHS Choices website – www.nhs.uk

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