Flu can still strike at any time and for those who are vulnerable, it can be extremely serious – that is the message from the Island’s NHS this winter.
With the weather turning much colder, health professionals are urging people to take steps to stay well this winter and get their flu jab, it’s not too late. Priority at-risk groups eligible for the free vaccine include those aged over 65, those under 65 including children who have a long-term condition, pregnant women and all children aged from two up to five-years-old.
Between September and November 2016 only 60% of Islanders over 65yrs took up the offer of a free jab and only 36.8% of people aged 6 months to 65 years in the ‘at risk categories’. This means many people in vulnerable at-risk groups are leaving themselves exposed to the potentially fatal risk that flu poses. In addition, only 27.6% of pregnant women took the important decision to vaccinate themselves and help protect their unborn child and 30% of 2-5 year olds received the flu nasal spray leaving 70% unprotected.
Prof Rida Elkheir, Director of Public Health, Isle of Wight Council, said:
“Thank you to everyone who has had a flu jab this year. We cannot underestimate flu and how dangerous it can be. Anyone who has a long term health condition such as asthma, diabetes, heart, lung, liver and renal disease, those with weakened immune system as well as pregnant women are still encouraged to get themselves vaccinated. Vaccination remains the best way for those who are at the highest risk to protect themselves.”
Health professionals and other NHS staff who have direct contact with patients in their jobs are encouraged to get vaccinated against flu each winter to help protect vulnerable patients from the risk of catching flu. Staff who have been vaccinated are much less likely to be carrying the flu virus.
This winter around 400 more local NHS staff have taken up the offer of a free flu jab to help protect themselves as well as their patients, colleagues and their family. Di Eccleston, Joint Head of Occupational Health and overall lead for flu, said: “This year has been a real team effort, our Flu Team have worked tirelessly to offer vaccination at all times and locations to make the vaccine more accessible. We are pleased to see an increase in the uptake this year and would like to thank our staff who agreed to be vaccinated to help protect their patients.”
Vaccination against the flu virus is part of the NHS Stay Well this Winter campaign advising the public on how to avoid common illness during winter. More information can be found at www.nhs.uk/staywell.
