NHS England says people with a Learning Disability may be at greater risk of developing flu

People who have a learning disability can be more susceptible to the effects of flu and are at increased risk of developing complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

Anyone with a learning disability is entitled to receive a free flu vaccination.  Carers of anyone with a learning disability are also entitled to the 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.

Now is the time that GP practices are inviting the eligible people, including those with  learning disabilities, to be vaccinated. Anyone who is defined as being in an ‘at risk’ group should contact their surgery and arrange an appointment to have the vaccine.

Having the vaccine sooner provides the individual with protection over a longer period of time; it also helps reduce the chances of spreading the virus to family and friends.

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Screening and Immunisations Lead in Bath, Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire said:

“Flu is a very unpleasant illness.  Its symptoms can be miserable for many of us, but it can lead to more serious complications for those who fall within certain clinical ‘at risk’ groups.  People with a learning disability can be more susceptible to flu and some of them can go on to develop more serious complications. I’d urge anyone in this group to make sure they get the flu vaccine as soon as possible.

“Carers of anyone with a learning disability should also get the free vaccine from their GP, the sooner the better to get the best possible protection.”

Marie Crofts, Director of Quality, ²gether NHS Foundation Trust, which provides mental health and learning disability services in Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, said:

“As a trust providing learning disability services, we urge all carers of people with learning disabilities to have the flu vaccination.

“It is not only about protecting themselves, but also about protecting the person they care for, not only from flu itself but from the very serious complications that can arise.”