OVER HALF OF LONDONERS PRIORITISE THEIR PROPERTY OVER THEIR HEALTH1
Roadshow visits Bluewater shopping centre in Kent to increase awareness of the importance of seasonal flu and pneumococcal disease vaccinations
London & Kent, 13 December 2011: People in London are more than twice as likely to protect their homes and belongings than to protect their health, according to the results of a new survey. Just 33% of people surveyed in London from groups most at risk of influenza (flu) and pneumococcal disease said they have protected themselves with vaccinations against these illnesses.1 However, 81% of the same group admitted they protect their possessions by insuring the contents of their home.1
Released to coincide with the launch of a vaccine awareness campaign, the survey highlights the need for increased public awareness of the seriousness of flu and pneumococcal disease, including pneumonia, particularly for adults at increased risk. To help address this, a campaign roadshow will visit Kent and five other locations across the UK during December and January, offering people the opportunity to speak to a nurse from the British Lung Foundation (BLF) about these potentially life-threatening illnesses and the role of vaccination. The roadshow will arrive at Bluewater shopping centre on Tuesday 13th December and will be open from 10am to 9pm.
The survey, conducted by YouGov on behalf of Pfizer among 344 adults in London, reveals that 49% of people aged 65 and over – who are among those most vulnerable to flu and pneumococcal disease – think protecting their property is more important than making sure they have vaccinations to protect against these infections.1 It also shows people worry more about the risk to their possessions than themselves – 62% said they are worried their home might be at risk of burglary,1 yet just 30% said they are worried about the risk of contracting flu and pneumococcal disease this winter.1
For those most at-risk, particularly the elderly, flu and pneumococcal disease including pneumonia, can lead to serious complications that can require hospitalisation and in some cases can even be fatal.2,3 Despite this, a considerable number of adults at greatest risk do not get vaccinated, meaning the number of cases of preventable ill-health, disability and death remains high in the UK.2,3,4,5 In fact, despite government recommendations that all people aged 65 and over should have a flu vaccination, by November 2011, around four in 10 adults in this age group in England still had not followed this advice,6 placing themselves at increased risk of flu as well as secondary infections such as bacterial pneumonia.7
Speaking about the importance of the campaign, Dr Roger Henderson, senior partner in general practice, Newport, and regular columnist and broadcaster on healthcare matters, said: “Local authorities and GPs have done a tremendous job in raising awareness of the need for vaccination this winter. However, more of those people most at risk still need to come forward to get vaccinated.
“We’re hoping this campaign will help to highlight the seriousness of flu and pneumococcal disease for those most vulnerable to these illnesses and encourage these groups to visit their healthcare professional for vaccination. Although winter is now upon us, it’s not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
Miranda Watson, Director of Communications, British Lung Foundation, said: “For the elderly and people with existing health conditions, pneumonia and flu can lead to serious complications, and in some cases even death, yet too few people in these at risk groups are protecting themselves by getting vaccinated. The winter roadshow will help to address this trend, preventing serious illness and saving lives. If you’re aged 65 or over or have an existing health condition it is important that you protect yourself by going to your GP for a vaccination.”
Raising public awareness
The UK-wide campaign, developed and funded by Pfizer in partnership with the British Lung Foundation, aims to further increase awareness and understanding of flu and pneumococcal disease, including pneumonia, and to encourage those most vulnerable to these infections to visit their GP to be vaccinated. The Department of Health currently recommends that all people aged 65 and over or who have a serious medical condition or weakened immune system should receive both pneumococcal and flu vaccinations.8 In addition, flu vaccination is also recommended for pregnant women, those who live in a residential care home or care for the elderly.8
Dr Declan O’Neill, Director of Public Health Improvement for NHS Kent and Medway said:
“We can often think of flu as inconvenient, but anyone who has had it will tell you it's more than that and for some people it can be far more serious again. More than 600 people across the UK are known to have died as a result of flu last year,9 so it is really important that people are aware of the need to protect themselves and their families against the virus, and one of the best and safest ways to do that is to make sure you have had the flu vaccine.
“Pneumococcal disease can lead to some serious infections, particularly pneumonia, which is potentially life-threatening. We would urge anyone who has been invited to have the pneumococcal vaccine to take up the offer. Those who are eligible for this vaccine include all adults aged 65 years and over and other people with a range of specific clinical conditions. If you think you might fall into one of these groups or are worried you might be at risk, please speak to your GP,” concluded Dr O’Neil.
-ENDS-
-
67% of those most at risk had not had one or both vaccines1
-
47% of all respondents could not name any factors that would put them at increased risk of flu or pneumococcal disease1
-
Less than a third (31%) of all respondents could correctly name one or more factors that might put them at greater risk of flu or pneumococcal disease1
-
58% were able to name one or more factors that might put their homes at greater risk of burglary1
The Department of Health currently routinely offers flu and pneumococcal vaccinations to all people in whom these infections are most common and most serious.8
The Department of Health recommends flu vaccination for people who:3,8
-
are aged 65 and over
-
are pregnant
-
have a serious medical condition such as chronic lung disease including severe asthma, chronic heart, liver or kidney disease, or diabetes
-
receive a treatment that suppresses the immune system, such as for cancer
-
live in a residential or nursing home
-
are the main carer of an older or disabled person.
The Department of Health recommends pneumococcal vaccination for those who:8
-
are aged five and under as part of the national childhood immunisation programme
-
are aged 65 and over
-
have a serious medical condition such as chronic lung disease including severe asthma, chronic heart, lung, liver or kidney disease, HIV infection or diabetes
-
receive a treatment that suppresses the immune system, such as for cancer
-
are welders.
About the Vaccine Awareness Roadshow
Flu and pneumococcal disease
Flu and pneumococcal disease, including pneumonia, are most commonly contracted during the winter months. Pneumococcal disease is a leading cause of serious illness in adults.2 Depending on the part of the body infected, it can result in infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and blood-poisoning (septicaemia), all of which can lead to long-term ill health, hospitalisation and in some cases can even be fatal.2 Influenza (flu) is a highly infectious virus, and, while it is usually nothing more than an inconvenient illness, for those at greatest risk, it can lead to more serious conditions, such as bronchitis and secondary bacterial pneumonia.7 These secondary infections can in some cases be life-threatening, especially in the elderly, asthmatics and those in poor health.7
Those most at risk of contracting these serious and potentially fatal infections include the elderly and those living with a compromised or weakened immune systems as a result of other conditions – such as chronic heart, lung, liver or kidney disease, HIV or diabetes – or who receive treatments that suppress their immunity, such as for cancer.8 In addition, pregnant women and people who are living in a residential care home or other long-stay care facility – and those who care for them – are also at greater risk of contracting flu.8
Pfizer: Working Together for a Healthier World™
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacturing of medicines for people and animals. Our diversified global health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the world’s best-known consumer products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as the world’s leading biopharmaceutical company, we also collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. In the UK, Pfizer has its business headquarters in Surrey and is the major supplier of medicines to the NHS. To learn more about our commitments, please visit us at www.pfizer.co.uk
The British Lung Foundation is the nation's lung expert, fighting to help the eight million people in the UK with lung disease. The charity provides support and information to improve the every day lives of people with lung disease. We are also campaigning for better diagnosis, treatment and prevention for now and the future. For further information on lung disease go to www.lunguk.org or telephone the BLF helpline tel: 08458 50 50 20.