The Department of Health recommends that all people aged 65 and over, and those among certain 'at risk' groups, get the flu vaccine once a year. The national flu campaign for this year has just been launched (see blog below). So how many people in Gateshead were vaccinated last year? And are you among an 'at risk' group. Read the full blog to find out......
The Department of Health introduced a campaign to immunise people aged 65 and over against influenza in 2000/01. Since 2002/03 the target uptake has been 70%. The campaign runs between October and December each year and the immunisation service is delivered within primary care. Fig 1 below shows uptake in Gateshead, the NE and England in each financial year up to 2004/05. Gateshead has consistently met the 70% uptake target and, since 2004/05 local uptake has been higher than overall uptake across England.
Fig 1: Percentage uptake of influenza immunisation among people ages 65 and over
Table 1: Percentage uptake of influenza immunisation among people ages 65 and over
In addition, uptake of the influenza vaccination is now promoted among people under 65 who fall into high risk groups, defined as those people that suffer from:
o respiratory disease including asthma
o CHD
o chronic renal disease
o diabetes
o immunosuppression
Table 2: Percentage uptake of influenza immunisation among high risk groups in 2005/06
Public Health, Gateshead PCT, January 2006
Comments (2)
This is excellent progress. It is important to see how we are protecting more people who are vulnerable to this important disease. I am sure the energies channelled in to progress in the over 65s can also achieve more for those who are at risk because of their medical conditions. But I realise there is challenge to be met
Posted by Mark Lambert | October 9, 2006 8:59 AM
And more good news...
Posted by Denise Horsley | October 9, 2006 4:00 PM