Re: importance of flu vaccinations for BME communities in Trafford

The NHS in Trafford is asking Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities in Trafford for
their help to get important messages about flu to friends and family.
NHS Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) would specifically like close contacts of
non-English speaking members of the public to play their part in ensuring that all
communities are informed and aware of the virus and how to protect themselves from it this
winter.
It would be much appreciated if members of the Inter-Faith Network could help spread the
following key messages to encourage members of the community to contact their GP
surgery and get vaccinated.
Key messages

Flu is a highly infectious illness that spreads rapidly through coughs and sneezes
it is not the same as a common cold, symptoms tend to be more severe and last
longer.
In the UK, about 600 people a year die from a complication of seasonal flu. This rises to
around 13,000 during an epidemic.
It is largely preventable and is available free on the NHS every year to protect adults and
children at risk of flu and its complications.
At-risk groups include:
Healthy children aged two, three and four
Children over six months with a long term health condition
Pregnant women
Everyone aged 65 and over
People under 65 with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood
pressure, heart disease, asthma, COPD, bronchitis, Motor Neurone Disease
Those living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay facility
Those who receive a carers allowance, or are the main carer for someone
Healthcare worker with direct patient contact
Nasal Spray for Children
The flu vaccine for two, three & four year olds is given as a single dose of nasal spray
squirted up each nostril. Not only is it needle-free, the nasal spray works even better
than the injected flu vaccine with fewer side effects.

All people need to do to book their flu jab is call their GP Practice and arrange an
appointment.
Kind regards
Lauren Collins
Communications and Engagement Specialist
NHS Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group
cccccccccccDDddddddDr Nigel Guest: Chief Clinical Officer

Dr Nigel Guest:
Chief Clinical Officer