FLU is one problem that Ludlow MP Philip Dunne will hopefully not encounter this winter.

The MP joined the queue to get a vaccination when a team arrived at the Houses of Parliament.

He hopes that people who need a flu vaccination will follow his example.

Seasonal flu (influenza) is a highly infectious illness and it is important for those most at risk to be vaccinated against it. There were estimated to be 11,000 deaths from flu in the UK in the 2012/13 flu season.

“The consequences of having flu for certain groups of people, such as people with a medical condition, pregnant women, children and people over the age of 65 can be serious,” said Philip Dunne.

“However, around 43% of at-risk people and 26% of people over the age of 65 were not vaccinated against flu last year in Shropshire, even though they were eligible for a free flu vaccine on the NHS.

“I would therefore urge everyone who is entitled to a free flu vaccine on the NHS to go and get vaccinated.”

It is estimated that in excess of six million working days are lost in the UK due to seasonal influenza every year. Flu can put a considerable burden on NHS resources, with numerous GP consultations and hospitalisations.

The Department of Health (DH) recommends free flu vaccinations for those aged 65 or over; and for people with certain chronic conditions; as well as people living in long-stay facilities such as nursing and residential homes, and carers of elderly or disabled people.

Healthcare professionals are also encouraged to have the vaccination, as well as pregnant women and children aged two, three and four.

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) Vaccine Group sponsors Westminster Flu Day and is working hard with the Royal College of GPs, the Department of Health and Public Health England to understand how we can improve implementation of the seasonal flu programme in the at-risk groups and amongst pregnant women, healthcare professionals and children.

Caption: Philip Dunne gets the needle