SAM ROWLANDS MS for North Wales has added his voice to calls for everyone eligible for a flu vaccination to get protected.
He is backing a call from Public Health Wales who are urging people with long-term health conditions to take up their flu vaccination this winter to help protect them from serious illness.
Mr Rowlands, who has a flu jab every year, said: “I am happy to promote the message from Public Health Wales and urge individuals most at risk of serious complications to make sure a flu vaccination is at the top of your ‘to-do’ list this autumn.
“These days more than ever people are very aware of the dangers of respiratory viral infection and vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others around you against flu.
“It is vital as many people as possible have the flu jab, particularly those who are most vulnerable as this not only protects the individual but also helps to ease the pressures on our struggling Welsh NHS.”
Flu vaccination lowers the risk of infection, reduces the severity of illness, helps protect vulnerable groups from serious complications and decreases the likelihood of spreading the illness to others.
Those eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine include people aged 65 years and older, people aged six months to 64 years with a long-term health condition, health and social care workers, carers, pregnant women and people living in care homes.
Children aged two and three (from August 31, 2025) are eligible, and primary school and secondary school children (reception to year 11) are also eligible for a flu vaccine. To help protect your child from serious illness, give your consent for them to have their flu vaccine.
Dr Christopher Johnson, Head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme VPDP at Public Health Wales, said: “Getting vaccinated is what we do every winter to stay well – it’s the best protection we have, so it’s important to get your vaccine as soon as you can.“
Isabel Oliver, Chief Medical Officer for Wales said: “There are things we can do to help prevent the spread of winter bugs, as well as protecting ourselves.
“Vaccination remains the most effective tool against flu, but simple hygiene measures like washing hands regularly, and staying home if you are unwell, also help prevent infections that can be very serious for some people.
“Don’t delay getting your vaccinations when invited, give yourself the best protection for the season ahead.”
For more information about how to get your vaccine visit the Public Health Wales website.
