Stockport’s Flu Success

4th June 2019

Stockport’s GPs, nurses and midwives are simply the best in Greater Manchester for immunising people against flu – and that’s official.

Department of Health figures show that NHS staff in Stockport vaccinated over 98,000 people many of whom were at risk of developing serious complications if they caught the flu.

In all three “at risk” categories, Stockport’s immunisation rates were considerably better than the GM average making the borough the safest place to live in the region when it comes to flu.

In the 65 and over group, 79.9% were vaccinated in Stockport whilst 70.1% of the borough’s expectant mums took up the offer of their free flu jab.

And in the group of people aged 6 months to 65 years old who have a health condition that puts them at risk of complications, 60.8% were protected against flu thanks to the NHS.

In fact, in every single category, including the immunisation of two and three year olds, Stockport sat comfortably at the head of the GM table.

Overall Stockport also came out top nationally achieving first place ranking for immunising pregnant women and 6 months to 65 year olds at risk, second place for over 65s and three year old and third place for vaccinating all two year olds.

But even in the categories where nationally the borough was placed 2nd or 3rd the difference between Stockport’s ranking and 1st place was a fraction of a percentage.

Dr Cath Briggs, a Stockport GP and Chair of NHS Stockport CCG, said “This is a huge achievement in our fight against a preventable illness that can have devastating consequences.

“It’s down not only to the hard work of our doctors, nurses and midwives but also the people of Stockport being happy to step forward and have this potentially life-saving jab. Everyone concerned should take a bow.”

Alison Lynch, Chief Nurse and Director of Quality Governance for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said “We are really happy to see that once again our midwifery team have come top in the country when it comes to vaccinating pregnant women against flu.

“Flu vaccination is a very important part of protecting the health of both the baby and the mother, and it is fantastic our team have been so active in persuading them to get the jab.”

Councillor Jude Wells, Stockport Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who took the time to get the flu vaccination over the past year. Not only has it saved having an unpleasant illness, but also helped to avoid an outbreak of flu across Stockport and has vitally protected ‘at-risk’ groups.”