People are being encouraged to get their flu jabs this year as Public Health England says ‘it is more important than ever’, to help the NHS cope.
BBC Shared Data Unit statistics show that on the Isle of Wight, although there has been some fluctuation over time, in a 5-year period the percentage of vulnerable under 65s having flu jabs has fallen by 7.4%— dropping from 50%.
Although, at nursery age (2-3), there has been a 1.8% increase in uptake of the flu vaccination over 5 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 2 to 11; people aged 65 and over; those aged from 6 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; and 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.”
If it was possible to book a test without a five week wait and a being treated as though you pain asking. I am sure there would be a better uptake.
Spent two hours yesterday trying to arrange a flu jab. Tried phoning, message inaudible music unbearably loud, no answer, nothing to say how many were in the queue or the response time. Tried the website, total joke, found the book a flu jab link which wasn’t working. Tried the leave a message link, total waste of time, answered loads of irrelevant questions and still couldn’t get to a point where I could ask how to book a flu jab. Went to Day Lewis and was told they are getting their flu jab stocks mid September. It is all a plan to kill off the over 65s. The hospitals may be (ARE) doing a grand job but the street level care is abysmal. Hiding behind locked doors and getting paid for it. My son in Birmingham is finding exactly the same thing trying to get treatment for an ulcerated leg wound. They say they are going to train vets to give flu jabs, even if we have to pay for it, at least we would be able to get the service.
How about ypu put much money into nhs TOO COPE! Instead of pushing us too put a vaccine in our body which wont protect every flue any way.i have ms and every year iv took it i ferl much worse after .im not feeling ill bother
I try too avoid the dirty public at every opportunity.
So quit sayjng take ot take it …just too help nhs! Sod that
alrite if you can get into the practce almost impossible
My daughter has been sent a letter to book her annual asthma review. It’s a phone appointment!!!! How they gonna administer these jabs – over the phone, it’s getting beyond a joke .
As I only reseaved my letter informing me how to book my flu jab 3 days ago. I don’t know how you can make a statement regarding the take up of the offer of the jab ???? Or are facts ?? know being based on BS
Received a letter from the ghastly tower house practise asking me to ring them to book a flu jab.
It took 9 attempts before I eventually got connected to their excruciatingly dreary multi choice menu and then spent another 10 minutes listening to awful music and some bloke who sounded like he had completely lost the will to live telling me how important my call was. Gave up and popped into Boots on my way down the town. I asked the smiley lady stocking the shelves if they were doing flu jabs this year and she said “Yes we are, just pop round to the pharmacy desk and they will book you in.” Indeed they did book me in for the 4th week in September and even sent me a confirmitory text message that arrived before I left the store.
Well done Boots.
Thanks for handy tip on exactly where I’ll be going for my flu jab, but thank you especially for your comical way of Voicing your opinion- it did make me chuckle