Dr Brian Iddon MP encourages MPs and their constituents at risk of flu to be vaccinated this winter.

MPs and Peers from all parties were today, 4 November 2009, offered flu vaccinations, in line with Government recommendations, in a bid to encourage their constituents to be vaccinated against flu for this 2009/10 season.     
“We are all hearing a lot about pandemic these days but it is really  important that people over the age of 65 and all those in at-risk groups don’t forget about their seasonal flu jab, and visit their surgeries to be vaccinated,” said Brian Iddon MP. “Seasonal flu vaccination is important to help protect those people who are more susceptible to serious complications from the condition,” he added.

Dr George Kassianos, a GP and member of the Royal College of GPs, said “There is a great deal of interest in pandemic, and as we know the government has started its H1N1 vaccination programme.  But we must not let this distract our attention from the seriousness of normal, seasonal flu.  It is a pretty nasty infection and it can be a serious illness for people aged over 65 and those deemed to be ‘at risk’. Complications from seasonal flu can be severe, with as many as 3,000 - 4,000 deaths in the UK each year attributable to seasonal flu .  I would encourage everyone at risk to get their jab.”

The Department of Health provides free seasonal flu vaccinations for at risk groups, which include those aged 65 or over; people with chronic respiratory disease (including asthma), heart, renal, liver or neurological disease; diabetes; low immune systems; as well as people living in long-stay facilities such as nursing and residential homes, and carers of elderly or disabled people .

The initiative is sponsored by the UK Vaccine Industry Group (UVIG) and is supported by the Department of Health as a means of highlighting the importance of flu vaccination.


1  Immunisation Against Infectious Disease. ("Green Book"). Influenza. Department of Health 2006; updated chapter 19. http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth/Healthprotection/Immunisation/Greenbook/DH_4097254
2  Chief Medical Officer. The influenza immunisation programme 2009/10. Department of Health, April 2009