NURSES are calling for people across North Wales to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting the flu vaccine this winter.

The Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board area staff have joined forces to urge residents to take up the offer of vaccination – to keep themselves, their families and their communities safe.

The flu virus can be deadly and typically results in dozens of admissions to critical care units across North Wales each year.

Tens of thousands of people aged 50 and over will be called a for a free flu vaccine from the start of this year’s campaign for the first time. Other priority groups include two and three year olds, health and care workers, and anyone with an underlying health condition.

Trainee nurse endoscopist Sandra Ewing volunteers to deliver flu vaccines to her colleagues at Ysbyty Gwynedd.

“We want people to be well and we want our staff to be well,” she said.

“We want to reduce the impact on critical care and reduce the pressure on hospital beds.

“My advice would be to not just think of yourself, but think of the protection you’re giving to others as well. It is really important – it has never been so important.”

People in priority vaccination groups should look out for invitations to receive their flu vaccination from their GP surgery, or attend one of the dozens of community pharmacies delivering flu vaccines across North Wales this winter.

Schoolchildren will receive their flu vaccine via nasal spray through their school.

Betsi Cadwaladr executive director of public health Teresa Owen said the NHS in North Wales again faced the prospect of an extraordinarily busy winter, with coronavirus circulating widely in the community.

“Because of a successful flu vaccination campaign and measures to control the spread of Covid-19 there were very few cases of flu in North Wales last winter,” she said.

“But, with the easing of restrictions over recent months, there is a real risk from flu this winter. With more of us are circulating and socialising, the flu virus has greater opportunity to spread.

“If you meet the criteria, the best thing you can do to stay healthy this winter is make sure you get both your free flu vaccine and your Covid booster. This will give you and your loved ones the best possible protection against both viruses, help to slow their spread, and help to protect the NHS.”

For more information about the flu vaccine, please visit www.bcuhb.nhs.wales/health-advice/immunisations/flu/