Public health experts in Cornwall are warning of the risks of not getting your annual flu vaccination, if you are in an at-risk group.

Last year, only half of eligible people under the age of 65 in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly took up the offer of a free jab, even though their condition makes them more vulnerable to flu and may mean the effects of the illness are worse as a result. This compares to a take-up rate above 70 per cent for people aged 65 or over.

As well as at risk groups, free vaccinations are available for pregnant women and children aged two, three or four. 

Although flu symptoms are usually quite mild, they can be very serious. Healthy people usually recover in two to seven days, however where a person’s immune system is suppressed – for example, during pregnancy – the disease can lead to hospitalisation, disability or even death.

The underlying conditions that make people of any age, including children aged six months and above, eligible for free vaccination include:

A heart problem
A long-term chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema
Kidney or liver disease
Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment)
A stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
Diabetes
A neurological condition, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy or Parkinson’s
A problem with their spleen, such as sickle cell disease, or have had their spleen removed
A severe learning disability

Anyone who is unsure if they are eligible for a free vaccination should ask their GP practice.

Stuart Bourne, acting director of public health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “‘I would urge everyone who is eligible to get their seasonal flu vaccination. If you are pregnant, it will protect you and your baby, and if you’ve got a two-, three- or four-year-old, vaccination via a simple nasal spray can now offer protection.

“I am particularly concerned about people who have existing conditions that make them more vulnerable to flu. If flu does occur, it is likely to be more severe, and more likely to exacerbate any underlying illness. There is obviously also the potential for friends and family to be made ill with flu as a consequence.

“Even a mild dose of flu can be unpleasant and put you out of action for a few days. More severe cases can lead to complications, leading to hospitalisation or even death in some instances.”

Councillor Jim McKenna, cabinet member for Health and Adult Care, added: “We all have a responsibility to reduce the risk of flu affecting the most vulnerable in our community. For those who may be at greater risk of flu themselves, the benefits of the flu vaccination are clear.

“However, we must also be mindful that we do all we can not to pass this potentially dangerous disease on to those we come into contact with. Having the flu jab means we are also playing our part in reducing the pressures our health and social care providers experience each winter.”

Colin Philip, a family doctor in St Ives, is encouraging everyone in the at-risk groups to make sure they are vaccinated this winter.

He said: “Flu is a really unpleasant illness, particularly for anyone who is either elderly, has an underlying medical conditions or is pregnant. It’s easy to protect yourself and other people by not passing on germs and making sure you have had your flu jab. It’s quick, safe and the best way to make sure you are flu-free this year.”

Research across the South West has highlighted some of the reasons why people with these conditions don’t have the vaccination:

They were concerned about side-effects. In fact, while there are some fairly common side-effects, these are mild. Your arm may feel a bit sore where you were injected, and some people get a slight temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days afterwards.  The vaccine doesn’t give you even a mild dose of flu, as it doesn’t contain the active virus. Any other reactions are very rare.

They didn’t have enough time. In fact, although vaccination will generally involve a trip to the surgery, a bout of flu can make you ill for days, even without complications.

They thought they would be immune from previous flu jabs. In fact, the flu viruses in circulation change each year, which means the vaccine has to change as well.

Other people just hoped they wouldn’t get the illness.

More information about seasonal flu and vaccination is available at: http://www.nhs.uk/ (search flu)