HEALTH bosses have launched a new video encouraging local residents to stay flu safe this winter.
Over 60,000 people across Derbyshire, who are eligible for a free flu jab have still yet to take up the offer which means they are at risk of the serious complications of flu. This includes 4,000 pregnant women and 30,000 people under 65 with a long-term illness living in the county.
The video, produced by NHS Derbyshire County and NHS Derby City, features patients, midwives, GP practice managers and representatives from the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce (DNCC) to highlight the importance of having the flu jab.
Jane Careless, immunisation coordinator at NHS Derbyshire County, said: “We hope that this video which stars local health professionals and patients will go some way to ensuring that more people are vaccinated this winter.
“Anyone watching the video can see just how simple, painless and easy it is to protect themselves from a virus which can cause severe illness and in some cases prove fatal.”
George Cowcher, chief executive of the DNCC, said: “Winter flu can have a huge impact on the local economy in terms of lost productivity through staff absence. The cost of flu to employers stretches much further than simply just having to pay statutory sick pay to staff who take time off through illness.”
The video is available at www.derbycitypct.nhs.uk/staying-healthy/flu/.
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