Richmond s Winter Toolkit for Flu

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1 Richmond s Winter Toolkit for Flu

2 Contents 1. What you can do for Richmond Richmond s key messages on flu uptake Richmond Social Media Campaign Materials Template Press Release for Richmond... 7 a. Toddlers at risk of flu in Richmond, as only 38% of 3 years olds are protected against the virus... 7 b. Get your Flu vaccine this winter, Help us Help you Richmond s Campaign Resources National Campaign materials Flu in Richmond With winter fast approaching, we are asking for the support of Richmond s local leaders to help us deliver the important messages that will keep Richmond residents safe from flu over this busy period. Last year Richmond saw lower than the national average uptake in flu vaccinations in 2 and 3 year olds. With small children most at risk and likely to infect other members of their family, it is imperative that parents get their children vaccinated. In addition, pregnant women, those with an underlying health condition and those aged 65 and over are also likely to suffer more than most if they contract flu. Our insight tell us that flu uptake can be hampered by misconceptions around the vaccination. These range from ideas that the flu vaccine can give you the flu to thinking that children will receive their vaccine through an injection instead of a nasal spray. 2

3 Therefore we need your help. Through your influence in the community, you can help us raise awareness around the importance of people living in Richmond receiving the flu vaccine. 1. What you can do for Richmond Help us help the community by handing out our campaign materials, directing people toward Richmondbased services that provide the flu vaccine, and ensuring at-risk groups are informed of their eligibility for a free flu vaccine. Support us with organic posts from your Facebook/Twitter accounts or by sharing our social media posts so we can reach the widest audience possible in Richmond. Additionally, you can use our template narrative, featured in this toolkit, to help shape the messages that you are delivering online. Inform your local audiences of the easy ways that people can receive the flu vaccine through your when you see them. To assist you, this toolkit contains campaign materials that you can use to stick up in your surgeries or hand out at community hotspots throughout Richmond. You can support our flu campaign by organising your own flu vaccine which will encourage others to get their vaccine. Please get in touch by ing us at publicaffairs@swlondon.nhs.uk if you would like to arrange a flu vaccine. Access our materials online by visiting 3

4 2. Richmond s key messages on flu uptake You are eligible for the free flu vaccine if you are pregnant, are aged 65 years or over, have a long-term health condition or are a carer. Children aged 2 and 3 plus children in reception class and school years 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are eligible for the free nasal spray flu vaccine as well as all children with a health condition that puts them at greater risk from flu. 38% of 3 year olds received their flu vaccine in Richmond. This is significantly below the national average of 44%. So it is imperative that young children get their flu vaccine this winter. Pregnant women in Richmond were behind the national average in flu uptake last winter. We want to reverse that trend and protect Richmond s expectant mothers this winter. There are several myths about the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine does not give you flu, it is more than just a bad cold, and young children do not receive their vaccine through a needle. Flu vaccination is an important preventive measure for people with chronic health conditions from developing a serious health condition. Flu vaccine can be life-saving for the elderly. 4

5 The flu vaccine remains the best defence we have to protect against the spread of flu and we encourage everyone eligible to get it each year. 3. Richmond Social Media Campaign Materials The template tweets below have been designed for you to use and post on your social media channels. These messages align closely with NHS England and Public Health England s national flu campaign. We hope to resonate with Richmond s communities, and encourage them to take up the flu vaccine. Children aged 2-3 In Richmond only 40% of 2 year olds received the free flu vaccination last winter, less than the national average. Speak to your GP to protect your child this winter #fluvaccine #helpushelpyou The free nasal spray is the best way to protect Richmond s children from flu. If your child is 2 or 3, speak to your GP about it today #fluvaccine #helpushelpyou Children in Richmond aged 2 or 3 can get a free flu nasal spray vaccination. Protect your child from the flu without involving any needles Speak to your GP now #fluvaccine #helpushelpyou Pregnant Women 5

6 Flu can cause serious complications for pregnant women and their unborn children. The free flu vaccine is available to all pregnant women in Richmond, so ask your GP, pharmacist or midwife about it today #fluvaccine #helpushelpyou Pregnant women in Richmond can get a free flu vaccine. Speak to your GP, pharmacist or midwife #fluvaccine #helpushelpyou Underlying health conditions If you have an underlying health condition like bronchitis, diabetes or heart disease, make sure you get your free #fluvaccine. It s free because you need it. Speak to your GP or pharmacist today People with lung diseases like bronchitis, emphysema or asthma can get their free flu vaccine #fluvaccine in 3 over 65s did not get their free flu vaccine last winter in Richmond. Speak to your GP or Pharmacist about getting your free flu vaccine. #helpushelpyou #fluvaccine If you re 65 and over, make sure you #helpushelpyou by getting your free #fluvaccine before the end of November. Visit your GP or local pharmacy today to find out more 6

7 Flu is serious and different to the common cold. Don t delay getting your vaccine get it from your GP or local pharmacy today #fluvaccine #helpushelpyou 4. Template Press Release for Richmond a. Toddlers at risk of flu in Richmond, as only 38% of 3 years olds are protected against the virus [INSERT NAME OF MP] is joining doctors in Richmond to urge parents to vaccinate their toddlers against the flu this winter, after figures revealed that only 38% of 2-year olds in the borough received the free flu vaccination last year a figure significantly below national average. Officials warn that little children are some of the worst affected by the virus and, if they get it, they re likely to infect other members of the family too. Highly contagious, flu causes suffering and often serious illness to thousands in Richmond every winter. With symptoms for poorly toddlers including fever, chills, aching muscles, headache, a stuffy nose, dry cough or sore throat, children are at even greater risk than adults of contracting the virus. Unfortunately, some children also go on to develop a very high fever or complications of flu, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, and may require hospital treatment to feel better. Every child between the ages of 2-10 is eligible for the free vaccination. It s never been so readily available, yet most parents in Richmond are still not heeding professional advice to protect their children. As a result, they are at risk of illness and their family members are also at risk of contracting flu. 7

8 To tackle the spread of flu throughout the borough this winter, it s so important that parents get their children vaccinated. Those aged between 2-3 years old can be taken to their GP where, in most cases, they ll be able to receive a quick, free and painless nasal spray. And for school-age children, the vaccine is usually provided free of charge in schools. Pregnant women, those with an underlying health condition and those aged 65 and over are also likely to suffer more than most if they contract flu, which is why the NHS is also offering free vaccinations to those who are eligible [INSERT NAME OF MP] said: I am very concerned that fewer people in Richmond took up the flu vaccine last winter than the national average. That is why I am supporting our local NHS to urge those most at risk and most vulnerable to flu to get the vaccine, particularly toddlers, pregnant women and those aged 65 and over. By getting the flu vaccine you can help the NHS by staying well this winter, which is already a very busy time for our health service. Search NHS flu vaccine to get more information and book your appointment. Visit for more information on flu, the flu vaccine and where to get it. Further information: Ends *National average of flu vaccination uptake for 2 year olds is 43%, while the average figure for 3 year olds is 44%. b. Get your Flu vaccine this winter, Help us Help you 8

9 Receiving your flu vaccine this winter is imperative, and will likely prevent you from developing flu and spreading flu to at-risk groups such as children and the over 65s. Not only will you protect yourself and others from developing the flu this winter, but it will also help vital NHS services during this time of high patient demand and winter pressure. Public Health England say that the newly available adjuvanted vaccine is one of the most promising flu vaccines in recent years. It has been shown to significantly improve the body s immune response to the vaccine. This is important because typically, older adults bodies do not respond as well to the flu vaccine due to their naturally weaker immune systems. Older adults are also more likely to suffer complications from flu. Meanwhile, it is hoped that the vaccine will help reduce demand on under-pressure local health services. Public Health England is expecting that the public taking the flu vaccine this winter can lead to a reduction in GP consultations by 30,000, hospitalisations by over 2,000 and prevent over 700 hospital deaths from flu in England. Commenting on the benefits that receiving your flu vaccine can have; Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies said: Getting the flu vaccine is the single best way to protect yourself against this potentially fatal illness, and this year the NHS is offering it to 24 million people across the country. In addition to this a newly available vaccine that is more effective will be offered to over-65s. This could prevent hundreds of deaths and save thousands of GP and hospital hours I strongly encourage everyone in vulnerable groups to get the life-saving vaccine as we head into winter. Your local GP, nurse or pharmacist will have all the latest information about flu vaccination. The sooner you receive your flu vaccine, the sooner you re protected. Ends 9

10 5. Richmond s Campaign Resources These campaign materials have been designed to help you promote the need for uptake in flu vaccination in Richmond. The resources below can be used on Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms printed out to signpost throughout offices and local community hotspots. By using these resource you will help us expand the scope of our winter flu campaign and visually signpost why and how people can receive their flu vaccination Website Banner 10

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