The NHS in the South East of England is urging people with a learning disability to have their free flu vaccination this winter.

Some people with a learning disability can be more susceptible to flu and can go on to develop more serious complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

Anyone with a learning disability is entitled to receive a free vaccination. The vaccine offers the best level of protection from the flu virus, and it’s important to have the vaccine every year, especially as the flu virus strain changes every year.

Every year the flu virus kills people and hospitalises many more. This year it is even more important people who are most at risk of flu have their free flu vaccination. All clinics will run in line with infection prevention control and social distancing measures will be in place.

Vaughan Lewis, Medical Director for NHS England and NHS Improvement’s South East region said: “I urge everyone with a learning disability, or anyone who lives with or provides care to someone with a learning disability, to ensure they are immunised against flu.

“With both the flu virus and Covid-19 circulating, flu immunisation is more important than ever to reduce infections and protect friends and loved ones.­­”

People with learning disabilities are less likely to get the flu if the people around them have also been vaccinated. Carers of anyone with a learning disability are also entitled to the free vaccination. This will help to protect them and reduce the risk of spreading the flu to the people they support. All carers (family member or support worker) are urged to ensure they are registered at their local GP practice as a carer of someone with a learning disability.

Becky sparks is a learning disability nurse who works in the South East. She has recorded a video for those with learning disabilities to talk to them about the importance of having their flu jab.

Speaking directly to those with learning disabilities Becky said “You can get the flu injection from your doctor’s surgery or from your local pharmacist. It’s really quick and easy and it’s free.

“When you have the flu injection you might get a little bit of pain in your arm, but don’t worry that’s quite normal.

“If you are really worried about injections talk to your doctor’s surgery because they might be able to give you the flu medicine up your nose, which is really quick and easy to do.

“If you have any special requirements or what we call reasonable adjustments when you have the injection, do talk to your doctor’s surgery or pharmacist so they can plan and get things right for you.”