Santa urges Oldhamers to get their jab done before the flu season bites

Santa has his flu jab just in time for Christmas - so should you

Santa took a break from grotto duties and got his free flu jab to make double sure he’s on top-form for the festive season.

As with all over-65s, Santa is eligible for a free flu vaccination, available now from pharmacies or GP surgeries.

People with long-term health conditions, people with a BMI of 40+ and pregnant women are also eligible.

Children up to school year five can also have their vaccination free with a nasal spray at a GP surgery or through school.

Santa said: “With all of the world’s children relying on me, I couldn’t take the risk of getting flu at my busiest time of year.

"I’ve got grotto duties, supervising the elves and then I’ve got a fair bit to do on Christmas Eve!

“There’s no way I was going to risk getting flu and letting everyone down, so I invited Irene Shepherd, Practice Nurse at Hopwood House, Flu Lead and Governing Body Nurse for NHS Oldham CCG to sort my jab out.”

He added: “I was a touch apprehensive but I barely felt a thing and I was back making wishes come true within a few minutes.

"I feel safe in the knowledge that I won’t be coming down with a nasty flu in the next couple of weeks.”

Irene said: “Getting flu is ‘snow’ joke, especially at this time of year when people are busy and have plans with the family - it’s so much worse than a bad cold.

"Getting it would absolutely ruin anyone’s Christmas and for certain people catching it can be really, really serious.

“So when the big man said he wanted me to come to the Spindles and get his flu vaccination done I was more than happy to oblige.

"He’s a very important chap to children everywhere and people all over Oldham rely on him.

"We were glad to have done our bit to ensure everyone has a Christmas cracker.”

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