Eastern Cheshire tops flu jab chart

flu jab

Eastern Cheshire was top of 12 NHS areas in Cheshire and Merseyside for uptake of the flu vaccine last winter.

Figures published by NHS England and Public Health England for the three months to 31st December put NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) in first place for vaccination of people aged 65 and over, and for children aged two, three and four.

The CCG was equal top for uptake by pregnant women and second for the vaccination of people likely to fall seriously ill from catching flu.

Uptake figures are as follows:

  • 65s and over – 76.3 per cent
  • Two year olds – 58.5 per cent
  • Three year olds – 58.2 per cent
  • Four year olds – 51.5 per cent
  • At-risk groups – 53 per cent
  • Pregnant women – 51.8 per cent.

Compared with 2015-16, performance improved in every category but pregnant women – for whom uptake fell by 0.8 per cent.

Dr Paul Bowen, the CCG's clinical chair, said: "Flu can be very dangerous to vulnerable people, and is a major cause of winter pressures on the NHS. That's why flu vaccination is critically important – not only for the health of our population but also to reducing GP consultations, emergency hospital admissions and pressure on A&E.

"For these reasons, I'm delighted that Eastern Cheshire has again performed extremely well in ensuring that people get the jab when they need it. I know that my fellow health and care professionals would wish to say a big thank you to residents for having their vaccination and protecting themselves and their families while helping the NHS."

In 2015-16, Eastern Cheshire had the second best uptake figures in the whole of England. National statistics have yet to be reported this year.

Tags:
Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group
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