A PUBLIC health campaign by NHS Greenwich has seen an increase in the number of people taking the winter flu jab.
Figures just published for winter 2011/12 show vaccinations were up for all the “at risk” groups across the borough, with the number of pregnant women having the jab up by 9% on the previous year.
Dr Nike Arowobusoye, public health consultant at NHS Greenwich, who oversaw the co-ordination of the campaign, said:
“For most of us, flu is a highly contagious infection that makes us feel very unwell. But for some groups, such as older people, pregnant women and people who already have an underlying health condition, the flu can cause serious illness and even hospitalisation.
“That’s why it’s very encouraging to see that more people at risk from flu had the vaccination this year, especially as it was a relatively mild winter.”
NHS Greenwich’s ‘flu safe’ campaign saw posters and leaflets placed in GP Surgeries, pharmacies and supermarkets.
The number of over-65s having the jab was over 75 per cent, reaching the target set by the Chief Medical Officer.