Carlisle is the most northerly city in England, and the ... - NHS Cumbria

20. Influenza Vaccine.Influenza - flu - is a highly infectious acute viral infection, which affects people of all ages,mainly during the winter months.While most people recover without complications in 1-2 weeks, flu can cause serious illness anddeath, especially in the very young and the elderly.Flu epidemics result in widespread illness and disruption to health and other services.A vaccine is produced every year based on the strains of virus expected to be circulating.The national policy is for ‘flu vaccine to be offered to the following groups:- chronic respiratory disease, including asthma;- chronic heart disease;- chronic renal disease;- chronic liver disease;- diabetes;- immunosuppression due to disease or treatment; and those living in long stay residential carehomes or other long stay care facilities.The target set by the world Health Organisation is by 2006, 75% of people over the age of 65should receive annual ‘flu vaccination. The flu jab is effective for up to 12 months and the fluvirus constantly mutates, so it is necessary to have a new jab each year. Table 11 shows thatduring the 2006 / 07 ‘flu vaccination programme Carlisle reached its target of 75% of residentsover the age of 65 received ‘flu vaccine.Table 11: Over 65 Rates for Influenza by PBC as at 31/01/2007PatientsRegisteredNumberVaccinated% UptakeAreaAllerdale 18,928 14,739 78%Barrow 10,952 8,691 79%Carlisle 18,866 14,138 75%Copeland 12,639 9,140 72%Eden 10,107 7,668 76%South Lakeland 24,178 18,238 75%Cumbria PCT 103,572 78,899 76%21. Dental Health in Children.The 1994 Oral Health Strategy outlined objectives for oral health for the year 2003 which concentratedon the prevalence of tooth decay, specifically in children.The targets were:• 70% of five year old children should not have experienced decayFiona Huntington 32 of 47