NORTH Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) is encouraging anyone who is eligible for a free flu jab but has not yet taken up the offer to do so in the run-up to the festive season.

The free flu jab is available from GP surgeries and chemists across the county and is part of national campaign to promote the things people can do to safeguard their health during the winter months. The vaccination is available for children aged 2 to 4 and in school years 1 and 2; pregnant women; people aged 65 and over; and those with long-term conditions. These priority groups are at particular risk of flu and vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect against it and stay well this winter.

“Flu is a highly infectious disease with symptoms that come on very suddenly; it can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability or even death,” said County Councillor David Chance, Executive Member for Stronger Communities and Public Health.

“Many people don’t realise they are in a priority group, so please think about whether you qualify – if you’re eligible for the free vaccination and not had it, please get it now – it’s free because you need it. I’ve just had mine at a local chemist and found it to be a quick and easy procedure.”

The county council is promoting the flu vaccination programme, which is part of the Stay Well This Winter campaign from NHS England and Public Health England. The campaign is designed to help the public, and in particular those with long-term conditions and those over 65, prepare for winter and ward off common winter illnesses so they do not need to visit hospital. Supporting the Stay Well This Winter campaign is part of the County Council’s wider work to promote the health and wellbeing of residents, especially the vulnerable, elderly and those most at risk.

“As well as looking after yourself over the next few months by getting the flu vaccination, it’s important to keep warm in winter – both inside and outdoors, so if possible keep homes heated to at least 18°C (65°F) and at the first sign of illness, seek immediate advice and help from your pharmacist,” said Rachel Richards, Consultant in Public Health. “Take prescribed medicines as directed and pick up any prescription medicines before Christmas Eve.

“Even if you’re not in a flu jab priority group it’s a good idea to find out if you are eligible for a free NHS Health Check – it’s available to people aged 40 to 74 years to see if they are at risk of serious, but potentially avoidable, conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and certain types of dementia. Crucially, a NHS Health Check can detect potential problems early and allow you to put them right before they do real damage.”

The County Council is also asking people to do what they can to help vulnerable family members and neighbours through the winter and is funding the new Rural Action Yorkshire Good Neighbour Scheme. Operated by volunteers, the scheme will offer rural residents help with household tasks, picking up prescriptions, giving a lift to the shops or the doctors or just providing some company.

For more information and advice about how to look after your health this winter visit

www.nhs.uk/staywell. For further information about the free NHS Health Check, visit www.nhs.uk/healthcheck. You can also visit the Council’s website, www.northyorks.gov.uk/healthcheck, or ask for more information at your GP surgery.