Bolton taxi driver joins Greater Manchester flu vaccination campaign

Mustahsan Shahzad, from Deane, is part of a major push to raise awareness and help reduce pressure on the health service.

The 46-year-old has been working in Bolton for more than 15 years and wants to help encourage people to get their flu jab with his newly-branded cab.

A father-of-four is a diabetic, and has already had his own vaccination.
He said: “With the advertisement on my cab I want to help support the message.

“I’m happy to be involved.” 

Mr Shahzad’s taxi is one of 10 across Greater Manchester carrying the Stay Well This Winter branding, reminding people to get their vaccination.

The region’s NHS wants people to follow the cabs – or at least their messages!

Last month it was revealed that more than 41,000 Bolton residents at highest risk of contracting flu missed out on a free vaccine jab in 2016.
This year there are a million free flu vaccinations available to people most at risk across Greater Manchester.

A nasal flu vaccination is also being offered to children free of charge, including 27,600 children in Bolton.

The region’s health teams have worked together on the campaign with Greater Manchester Health and Social Care (GMHSC) Partnership, as part of a planned approach to keeping people well and helping to take the pressure off the urgent care system ahead of predictions about this year’s virus strain and effects.

GMHSC chairman Lord Peter Smith said: “Last year only just over half of people eligible for a free jab took it up.

“These are figures we have to change because flu is an extremely serious condition – and in some cases people can die, or be hospitalised with it.”

The Greater Manchester campaign will focus on two particular audiences – parents of two to eight-year-olds and people in the clinical at-risk groups. 

Those most at risk include people aged over 65, people with long-term health conditions like asthma and diabetes, pregnant women, people with a body mass index of more than 40 and carers.