Flu and COVID-19 vaccination appointments are now available across the Isle of Wight for those who are eligible.
COVID-19 vaccinations are available for those aged 75 and over, care home residents, and adults and children aged 6 months and over who have a weakened immune system.
Those aged over 65 or in a clinical risk group are able to get vaccinated for flu.
The vaccination programme for flu began in September for pregnant women and children aged 2 to 16 and they are encouraged to continue coming forward to get vaccinated. Both 2 and 3-year-olds can now get vaccinated against flu at local pharmacies for the first time ever.
Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to help stop the spread of winter respiratory illnesses and help keep symptoms mild should you get flu or COVID-19.
The NHS 10-year health plan, which was published recently, commits to a shift from sickness to prevention and the local vaccination campaign will continue to play an important part in protecting as many vulnerable people as possible before winter viruses start to spread.
Dr Michele Legg, Isle of Wight GP and Clinical Lead for the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Vaccination Programme, said:
“As we prepare to enter the colder months, we know respiratory illnesses such as flu and COVID-19 become more common.
Article continues below this advertisement “Symptoms can range from feeling quite unpleasant for some people right up to hospitalisation for others, which is something we want to avoid.
“These vaccinations provide vital protection, helping to prevent serious illnesses and reduce hospital admissions during the busy winter months.
“It is also safe to have both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations together at the same time, which can save you time by only attending one appointment.”
For those who are eligible for the winter flu and COVID-19 vaccines, there are several ways to get your vaccination including at one of the drop-in clinics taking place across the Island. Many people will be invited directly via their GP practice.
But if you are eligible, you don’t need to wait to be invited and can book via the online National Booking System, by calling 119, or via the NHS App.
If you’re not sure if you or your child has a condition that means you’re eligible for the vaccination, or you need help with booking an appointment, then the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 Vaccination Helpline team will be able to help by calling 0300 561 0018.
Well we tried to book in at the chemist and they are fully booked until mid November. It used to be a walk in?
Tried our GP and they are booked until end of October so we managed to get into the Vaccination hub at St Marys.
Not so easy to get the jab this year it would seem.
yeah maybe the best then
So many people still think these vaccines are safe,
such a shame, by now I would have thought the
persons administering the vaccines were clued up!
Maybe because they don’t want to risk losing their
jobs they don’t care.
Money is the root to all evil.
From what I have read on the Daily Mail recently it
might be doing you a favour they are booked.
Lol
Some people don’t mind playing Russian roulette,
some don’t.
Stay safe.