The NHS and council leaders are urging Isle of Wight residents to ensure they get their flu jab this year - in what is to be the biggest vaccination campaign ever seen.
Each year the flu vaccination is available to help protect adults and children at risk from flu and its complications, but this year it’s going to be bigger than ever before as more people are eligible for the free vaccination.
Those who are in certain at risk categories, such as over 65 and under 65s with a long term condition, are more likely to be at risk of developing complications if they catch flu.
Dr Michele Legg, GP and chair of NHS Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
“This year will be the biggest flu vaccination campaign that we have embarked on yet.
“We will be vaccinating more people than ever as we have expanded the groups of people eligible for the free flu jab.
“The flu vaccine may be given to 50-64 year olds; more information will be available later in autumn.
“Because we know we still have coronavirus in our community, some practices and pharmacies might be carrying out their vaccination clinics differently this year.
“This could involve booked appointments, vaccinations in car parks or community buildings and separate clinic groups for our ‘at risk’ patients.
“You may also see staff wearing face masks and lots more handwashing and use of hand sanitiser. Please feel assured these measures are in place to help keep you and our staff as safe as possible.
“We know some people will be feeling anxious, worried or scared about having their vaccination, however it is far better to be protected from flu, than go without.”
This year the programme includes children in school Year 7, and household contacts and carers of those on the NHS Shielded Patient List, who are all eligible for the free vaccination.
These groups are in addition to people aged over 65, those under 65 with long-term health conditions, pregnant women, children aged two and three, and children in primary school.
Alice Webster, Isle of Wight NHS Trust’s director of nursing, midwifery, allied health professionals and community services, said:
“Flu can be very serious and lead to hospital admissions for patients with underlying health conditions and we want to try and keep people well and out of hospital this winter.
“Vaccination not only helps to keep you safe and well at home, it can also reduce the pressure on hospitals and staff in the health and care system.
“Next week we will begin our staff vaccination programme to ensure NHS colleagues are protecting themselves and everyone they have contact with from the risk of spreading flu.”
Along with NHS staff, health and care workers across the community will also be offered a free flu jab.
Simon Bryant, the council’s director of public health, said:
“This year with both the flu virus and Covid-19 circulating, flu immunisation is more important than ever to reduce infections, protect each other and save lives.
“There is an expanded list of priority groups this year which includes expanding the vaccine for children in the first year of secondary school. We are working closely with our schools to support this programme and ask all parents to look out for the invitation.
“We want to you to look after yourself and protect the NHS by having the flu jab.”
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