Have you had your flu jab? The advice from Public Health England this year is that 'it is more important than ever' to help the NHS cope.
On the Isle of Wight, although there has been some fluctuation over time, in a five-year period the percentage of vulnerable under 65s having flu jabs has fallen by 7.4 per cent — dropping from 50 per cent.
Although, at nursery age (2-3), there has been a 1.8 per cent increase in uptake of the flu vaccination over five years.
The flu vaccine will not protect receivers from coronavirus but it is thought the more people have it, the less impact the NHS will face in normal winter pressures — particularly if there is a second wave of Covid-19 cases.
The government plans to roll out the most comprehensive flu programme in UK history, vaccinating twice as many people as the last flu season — more than 30 million.
Dr Michele Legg, GP and clinical lead for the NHS Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said this flu season the CCG is expecting an increase in demand across all eligible groups for the free vaccination and is expanding the flu programme.
Those eligible to get the free vaccine this year include:
- All children aged two to 11
- People aged 65 and over
- Those aged from six months to 65 years who are in a clinical risk group
- All pregnant women
- People who are on the shielded patient list and members of their household or people in the same household as immunocompromised individuals
- People living in long-stay residential care homes or other long-stay care facilities
- Those who are in receipt of a carer’s allowance
- Health and social care staff.
The government also has said this list will be expanded later in the year, once the vaccination of ‘at-risk’ groups is underway, to include those aged between 50 and 64, but more details are yet to be announced.
Dr Legg said:
“Getting a free NHS flu jab is a quick and simple way people can help to protect themselves from getting flu, spreading it to others, and reduce pressure on our hardworking frontline staff this winter.
“We know some people might feel anxious about getting the vaccination, however, we are carrying out a number of precautionary measures to protect patients.
“This includes carefully planned appointments to minimise waiting times and maintain social distancing; staff administering the vaccine wearing recommended personal protective equipment; and practices will provide patients with information in advance of their appointment to explain what to expect.
“GP practices across the Island have already begun to invite those eligible for a free vaccination to book in for a jab. You can check your practice website for more information. You can also get your vaccination from your local pharmacy.”
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