Santa urges over 65s to get their flu jab!

18th December 2018

Santa won’t get sleighed by flu – and neither should you

Santa took a break from his grotto duties this week to get his free flu jab and make doubly sure he’s on top-form for the festive season.

He popped into Bracondale Medical Centre in Stockport to be vaccinated and is urging his fellow over 65 year olds to follow suit and get their free jab before the flu season gets in full swing.

People with long-term health conditions, those with a BMI of 40+ and pregnant women are also eligible. Children up to school year five have their vaccination free with a nasal spray through school or at their GP surgery if they are in an ‘at risk’ group.

Santa said: “With all of the world’s children relying on me, I couldn’t take the risk of getting flu at my busiest time of year. I’ve got grotto duties, supervising the elves and then I’ve got a fair bit to do on Christmas Eve!

“There’s no way I was going to risk getting flu and letting everyone down, so I popped in to see Dr Cath Briggs and she sorted my jab.”

He added: “I was a touch apprehensive but I barely felt a thing and I was back making wishes come true within a few minutes. I feel safe in the knowledge that I won’t be coming down with a nasty bout of flu in the next couple of weeks.”

Dr Briggs, who is also the GP Clinical Chair for Stockport CCG said: “Getting flu is ‘snow’ joke, especially at this time of year when people are so busy and have plans with family and friends.

“Getting it would absolutely ruin anyone’s Christmas and for certain people, in the at risk groups, catching it can be really dangerous.

“So when the big man said he wanted to come to our GP practice to get his flu vaccination done we were pleased to have him here. He’s a very important guy and people rely on him. We were glad to have done our bit to ensure everyone has a Christmas cracker.”

Councillor Tom McGee, Stockport Council’s Cabinet Member for Health said “Due to national issues regarding this year’s supply of vaccine for over 65s, uptake of the vaccine is currently down on last year.

“Flu can be potentially life threatening and result in hospitalisation in older people and those in “at risk groups. All GPs and pharmacies have now received additional supplies of the vaccine so please get your vaccination as soon as possible and don’t risk flu ruining your Christmas.”

For more information on the flu vaccine please visit www.nhs.uk/fluvaccine.

To get your flu vaccine please contact your GP Practice or visit your local pharmacy.