Hywel Dda University Health Board is urging all eligible people in Pembrokeshire to have their free flu vaccine.

Flu can be serious, particularly for those who are older or have a health condition that makes them more vulnerable to complications of flu.

This year, more people than ever are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine in Wales. This includes the household contacts of those on the COVID-19 NHS shielding patient list and people with a learning disability.

Having an annual flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against flu. In response to the pandemic GPs, pharmacists and NHS staff have are following the current guidance around social distancing, infection control and personal protective equipment (PPE), to help keep you safe. Please arrive for your appointment on time and please wear a face covering at all times. Do not attend if you have symptoms of COVID-19.

You can have a free NHS flu vaccine if you:

are a child aged two and three (age on 31 August 2020)

are a child in primary school

are pregnant

are aged 65 and over

have a long term health condition (aged over 6 months)

have a learning disability

have a BMI of 40 or above

are a front-line healthcare worker

work in a care home with regular client contact

provide domiciliary care in client’s homes

are a paid or unpaid carer

are a household contact of someone on the COVID-19 NHS shielding patient list

Saundersfoot Surgery is holding a walk in flu vaccination clinic for registered patients on Saturday 10 October 2020 at the Regency Hall between 9am and 4pm.

Tenby Surgery is holding flu vaccination clinics every week day week of 12th October.  Saturday clinics will be held on 17th, 24th and 31st October for patients unable to attend during the week. All clinics will be held at Tenby Surgery by appointment only, please telephone 01834 840868.

NHS staff can receive their vaccination from their employer or at a community pharmacy. All other eligible groups can receive theirs free from a community pharmacy.

We anticipate a high demand for the vaccine this year but please be assured additional flu vaccine stock will be made available to GPs and pharmacies over the next couple of months.

Children aged two to 10 years of age (age on 31 August 2020) will be offered nasal spray flu vaccine to help protect them from catching and spreading flu. Two and three year olds can get it at their GP surgery, and primary school children will get it in school.

Ros Jervis, Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “There is every likelihood that both flu and COVID-19 will be circulating this winter in Wales. That is why it is important to have an annual flu vaccine if you are eligible.

“By getting vaccinated you reduce the risk of infection. That also helps protect the NHS from having to treat more serious cases of flu when it is also on stand-by to treat cases of COVID-19.”

Anyone can catch flu. Symptoms are likely to include; a fever, chills, tiredness and weakness, a headache, general aches and pains and a dry, chesty cough. In up to half of cases people can have flu without even realising it – and they can still spread it to others.

Please help us keep Wales safe by getting your flu vaccine. For more information about the flu vaccine, please visit www.beatflu.org.