Government announces flu vaccination programme for at-risk patients

The government has announced the imminent launch of its new vaccination programme to protect vulnerable patients from seasonal influenza.

Commencing on October 3rd 2011, at-risk groups such as heart, kidney and liver disease patients, diabetes sufferers, stroke victims or those with weakened immune systems are being invited to receive their vaccine doses from GPs.

Free treatment will be offered to those aged 65 and above, as well as pregnant women or carers for elderly and disabled people.

Chief medical officer Dame Professor Sally Davies said it is vital that vulnerable patients receive treatment as soon as possible in order to reduce the risk of contracting the potentially fatal disease.

"People often don't think about the flu vaccine until the virus is circulating – but by then it could be too late," she explained.

Earlier this month, the government issued a call for NHS hospital nurses and midwives to receive vaccination, in order to minimise the risk of them inadvertently spreading flu to their patients.