Pharmacy Chief Vows Against Future Flu Jab Delays

A senior pharmacist based in Staffordshire has recounted her belief that she would require an inhaler permanently after contracting influenza last year. Tania Cork, who serves as chief operating officer for community pharmacies across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and is an active gym-goer, stated that she had postponed receiving her flu vaccination due to a busy work schedule. She described her symptoms, saying, “I felt like I couldn’t breathe in, it was a burning pain all down my chest.” Ms. Cork subsequently encouraged eligible individuals to obtain their vaccination without delay. The virus was contracted by Ms. Cork during a vacation in Spain. Within days of her return, she began experiencing extreme fatigue, followed by the onset of a chesty cough. “I could hardly speak to 111, my husband had to relay all the messages because I could hardly talk,” she explained. Due to the critical nature of her condition, she was instructed to proceed directly to A&E, where she was subsequently placed in isolation for two days. She reported that it took over four months for her to fully recover. During this recovery period, she suffered from recurrent chest infections and was prescribed three courses of antibiotics. Reflecting on her illness, she stated, “My breathing was so bad I honestly thought I was going to need an inhaler for the rest of my life, and I was so weak and tired I just couldn’t function.” Her personal ordeal has deepened her understanding of how severely individuals can be affected by the flu. She further cautioned, “What people don’t realise is that flu opens the door for all sorts of other infections, and any infection can potentially lead to sepsis which can be life-threatening.” Ms. Cork affirmed, “I will never delay getting vaccinated again.” The NHS flu vaccine is available to individuals aged 65 or older (including those turning 65 by 31 March 2025), those with specific health conditions, pregnant individuals, or residents of care homes for older adults. Frontline health professionals are also advised to get vaccinated. For updates, follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.