Stockport Council and health partners are warning residents of a significant increase in the number of flu cases in Stockport.

The flu virus is affecting all age groups, particularly older people, and another wave of flu is expected as the weather gets colder.

It is not too late to get vaccinated and NHS England recommends the flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Flu vaccination reduces flu illnesses and can prevent flu-related hospitalisations.

Residents eligible for a free flu vaccine include:

• Individuals aged 65 year or over
• Pregnant women
• Healthcare workers
• Children aged 2, 3 & 4
• Chronic respiratory disease (e.g. severe asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis)
• Chronic heart disease
• Chronic liver disease
• Neurological disease
• Diabetes
• Splenic Dysfunction
• A weakened immune system, due to disease (such as HIV/AIDS) or treatment (e.g. cancer treatment)

Dr Viren Mehta, a local GP and Clinical Director of Stockport CCG, said “We have seen a big increase in the number of flu cases and people being admitted to hospital with flu complications. The majority of these are people who haven’t had the flu vaccination this season. The evidence suggests that this year’s flu vaccine offers good protection against the strains of flu that are currently circulating.

“If you have been invited by your GP for a flu vaccine, but haven’t yet had one, it really isn’t too late and we would still advise people to contact their GP practice and get themselves protected.”

Councillor Tom McGee, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Health, said: “There has also been a sharp increase in reported outbreaks of flu-like illness in older people across Greater Manchester, so if you know someone with a chest infection or flu-like symptoms, please make sure they are seen by their GP for a medical assessment.”

The flu campaign is supported by Stockport Council, the NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group and the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, NHS England and Public Health England.

For further information about the flu vaccine, visit www.stockport.gov.uk/fluvaccinations.