ANYONE eligible for a flu jab is urged to make sure they get vaccinated.

But people are being asked to be patient as doctors warn the immunisation programme being administered during the pandemic this year will feel different.

Dr Jonathan Griffiths, a GP at Swanlow practice in Winsford, said: "Influenza is a serious illness that can be very harmful for people at risk.

"The last thing we need this winter is a challenging flu season while we are also still dealing with Covid-19."

The five practices in Winsford are all arranging their own flu immunisation clinics.

Patients will receive instructions about what to do and where and when to attend.

"We will be limiting numbers of people in the building at any one time and trying to operate one-way systems," said Dr Griffiths.

"Please be patient on arrival and expect to spend time waiting outside. People will need to consider how they dress to cope with adverse weather conditions."

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Northwich Guardian:

Dr Jonathan Griffiths asks people to be patient as this year's flu immunisation programme is being administered within Covid-19 regulations

Patients will have to wear a face covering. Clinicians giving the flu jabs will also be wearing masks and using alcohol gel between each patient.

"Covid-19 has not gone away and we need to run our flu immunisation clinics while maintaining social distancing and wearing appropriate PPE," said Dr Griffiths.

"Patients should not attend for their flu jab if they have any symptoms that could be from Covid-19. This includes a new, continuous cough, fever or loss of taste or smell."

People eligible for flu jabs include adults aged 65 and over, people with certain medical conditions, anyone living with someone who is at high risk from coronavirus, children aged 2 and 3 on August 31, 2020, pupils in primary school, children in year 7 at secondary school and frontline health or social care workers.

The flu vaccine may be given to people aged 50-64 later in the year but they must wait until they receive an invitation.

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