PENSIONERS in Barnsley are being encouraged to get their shingles and pneumococcal vaccines when offered.
The winter months are the most strenuous on the health service as viruses spread more easily as people are more likely to gather indoors.
Pneumococcal bacteria are spread typically by sneezing and coughing.
The pneumococcal vaccine protects against some of the types of bacteria that can cause potentially life-threatening illnesses such as meningitis, pneumonia and sepsis – all of which can be fatal.
Shingles is a reoccurrence of the chickenpox virus that causes a painful rash and blisters.
Health bosses say the vaccine gives you the best possible protection from getting shingles even if you have had shingles before, it also gives you the best optimal protection from serious complications that shingles can cause in older people.
Dr David Crichton, chief medical officer at NHS South Yorkshire, said: “Receiving the pneumococcal and shingles vaccines can help protect yourself from a potentially serious illness, especially for people over the age of 65.
“As the cold weather persists make sure to get your vaccines and give yourself the best chance to avoid needing treatment for these illnesses.”
