High risk patients in Lichfield and Burntwood who haven’t yet received their swine flu vaccination are being urged to come forward.

People at higher risk of severe illness or at increased risk of infection and transmitting infection who have previously received a letter inviting them to receive their vaccination can call in at any one of a number of drop in sessions arranged by South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT).

During November and December GPs and the PCT have vaccinated nearly 36,000  residents against swine flu in the priority groups.

And to ensure no one misses out the PCT has arranged some final sessions to enable patients in any of the priority groups to receive their vaccination, without the hassle of having to make an appointment.

The priority groups are:

  • Individuals aged six months and up to 65 years in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups
  • All pregnant women
  • Household contacts of immunocompromised patients
  • People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risks groups.

John Wicks, Flu Director at South Staffordshire PCT, said:

“Anyone who wants their vaccination still has the opportunity to visit one of our many drop in sessions being held until the middle of February.

“If patients have mislaid their original letter of invitation there isn’t a problem. A reminder letter is currently being sent out which will highlight the patients’ unique vaccination number and details of where they can receive their vaccination.  No appointment at the drop-in session is necessary, patients can just turn up with their unique vaccination number and receive their vaccination.

“Whilst it is easier if patients have their unique vaccination number with them, it is possible to issue the number at the point of vaccination.

“Swine flu can be a more serious illness for people with long-term health conditions, those who are pregnant or those whose immune system is affected by a disease or treatment for a disease.  This is why it is important to have the vaccine to prevent people from catching swine flu.”

Local GPs and the PCT are also currently contacting, by letter, parents of all healthy children over six months and under five years of age.

Young children are being offered the vaccine to protect them from swine flu and its possible complications, particularly as they seem to be vulnerable to severe illness which could result in hospitalisation.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.