Flu jab campaign launched

And they are beating much-loved former boxing champion Sir Henry Cooper to the punch.

Henry, aged over 65 himself, is being used by the Department of Health in advertisements and leaflets for the flu vaccination campaign launched this week. The catchline 'Don't get knocked out by flu, get your jab in first' illustrates that even the over-65s who are fit and healthy should get a jab.

The jabs can protect elderly people from an illness which could easily lead to complications -- and even death.

They are available free for everyone aged 65-plus and people of all ages with certain conditions, including chronic heart and kidney disease and respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis; diabetes mellitus and HIV/AIDS.

Surgeries in Chorley already reported brisk business before the campaign started.

Theresa Edwards, receptionist at Regent House Surgery, Regent Road, said the appointment book was filling up quickly. "Perhaps it's because the health authorities have written to elderly patients themselves," she said. She explained that either practice nurses or GPs can administer the jabs.

And a spokesperson for Library House Surgery, Avondale Road, Chorley, said: "We are booked up for the first fortnight in October. They get a letter off doctors to remind them, but most ask us nearer the time anyway."

The over-65s campaign was a success last year -- previously jabs were available for the over-75s.

The campaign runs until December 2. Free jabs are also available for people living in nursing homes or long-stay care homes.

The best time to be vaccinated is between late September and early November.

The vaccine does not contain any live virus so it cannot cause 'flu.

Healthy people do not need anti-flu jabs. You should not be vaccinated, though, if you have a serious allergy to hens' eggs, and is generally not advised if you are pregnant.

For more information contact a surgery, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647, or visit the NHS website at