Paramedics urge public to get flu vaccine

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is urging people to get the flu vaccine to protect themselves and others this winter. 

Flu is a very common and highly infectious disease caused by the influenza virus.

It can make people seriously ill - especially older adults, very young children and people with underlying health conditions.

SWASFT is encouraging people in the region to get protected as soon as possible to fight flu and coronavirus (Covid-19). 

Eloise Pearce, a Student Paramedic based in Bournemouth said:  “I first began getting the flu vaccine six years ago when I was given a terminal prognosis and days left to live. I had anorexia nervosa, I was severely underweight, and my body had begun shutting down. I was given the vaccine to help increase my chances of survival if I did get the flu. My body would not have been able to fight the virus on its own, due to my suppressed immune system and fragile state of health.

“I am now a fully recovered anorexia nervosa survivor, and I still help others suffering from the disease. The flu vaccine gave me the best chance of survival at a time when the odds were stacked against me. Although I am now fit and healthy, I continue to get my flu vaccine to protect not only myself, but my family, friends, patients, colleagues, and other members of the public. 

“This year it is especially important to be vaccinated as the nation struggles to deal from the Covid-19 pandemic. Please protect yourself and protect others.”

Sophie Shah, a Student Paramedic based in Bristol, said:  “I was diagnosed with asthma when I was age 5. It was moderate and well-controlled initially, and I was told by many people that I would likely ‘grow out of it’. 

“Unfortunately this didn’t happen and instead the severity increased as I got older. I found myself getting more and more chest infections, which exacerbated my asthma and caused me to be hospitalised due to difficulty breathing. It was hard growing-up as I was unable to be as physically active as others and I missed a considerable amount of school due to flu-related illnesses. 

“By getting the flu jab I was able to stop getting ill so often, take back control of my life and feel safe. This was especially the case in winter months when flu is most prevalent. 

“Now, as a final year Paramedic Student, not only do I have to take care of myself, but I must protect those around me. I attend many vulnerable patients and it is my duty to ensure that I do everything I can to help them and that includes taking the flu jab to prevent these patients getting ill. 

“Some people don’t get the jab, because they think it’s not needed or may even make them ill. But the vaccine contains an inactive version of the virus, so it can’t do that. People who aren’t protected can pass the flu onto others who may be very vulnerable. Many, many people die from the flu and its secondary complications each year. But a quick and easy jab can make such a difference.”

Joseph Durling, a Lead Paramedic based in Marlborough, Wiltshire, said: “Being on the frontline of the NHS, I want to do all I can to stay well for my own sake and for others. The flu vaccine provides an easy way for anyone to protect themselves from the serious illness of influenza during the winter months. 
“This winter, more than ever, we all need to do as much as possible to keep everyone well and out of hospital. There are lots of positive effects of a heavily vaccinated population, including slowing the spread of the flu virus and reducing the pressure on the wider NHS service provision. 

“Getting the vaccine is something we can all do to help keep one-another safe. Over the past five years influenza has accounted for 17,000 deaths in the United Kingdom. I always take-up the yearly influenza vaccine to protect myself, patients, my family, and the NHS, of which I am proud to be a part of.” 

More than 30 million people in England are being offered the flu vaccine this year, with priority being given to the most vulnerable, elderly and children. People aged 50 to 64 will be eligible for the vaccine from 1 December.

To get the flu vaccine, contact your local pharmacy or GP surgery. 

For information and support regarding eating disorders, also contact your GP or the charity Beat Eating Disorders.