Watford MP has encouraged local residents who are at risk of getting the flu, to get their free vaccine jab before winter sets in, as it emerged that nearly 40% of people missed out on protection last year across Hertfordshire
Mr Harrington welcomes that flu vaccination rates continue to climb across the country, but they remain lower than ideal in many areas.
The Watford MP's call comes as the Chief Medical Officer warned last week that flu and complications associated with it cause 8,000 deaths on average a year in England - around 6,000 of which are people with existing heart and lung conditions.
Official figures show that just under 2.9m bed days were lost to flu and pneumonia last year in English hospitals, up almost 280,000 from the previous year – an 11% increase.
In Hertfordshire, last year:
- 51563 older people missed out on their jab
- 6053 pregnant women with no long-term conditions and 442 pregnant women with long-term conditions also didn’t get protected.
- Thousands of young children (2-4 year olds) also didn’t get the vaccine
Richard Harrington MP said: “Getting the flu can be bad enough for even the fittest of us, but for older people and those with long-term conditions in particular it can cause serious health problems, that's why it's so important to raise awareness and encourage people to stay well this winter.
“Our pharmacies offer an excellent range of services, and getting the flu jab is free and easy. I want to encourage all those eligible – including all care home staff for the first time - to speak to your GP or local pharmacist and get your vaccination booked in before the cold weather sets in!”