There’s still time to get your winter flu jab
The public health team at NHS Isle of Wight are monitoring uptake of flu vaccinations this winter. Since the campaign started in September started we have vaccinated a number of people across the Isle of Wight. This includes nearly 20,000 vaccinated by GP practices, 4000 people vaccinated in community pharmacies and just under 800 staff by the occupational health team in St Mary’s Hospital. This is a good start, but there are many people who could benefit yet to take up the offer, especially pregnant women and health and social care workers.
After looking locally and nationally at what has been most successful to enable people to get vaccinated we have made it as easy as possible for people to access vaccination. Many people prefer to have vaccination at work, or at their GP practice. For those who need more flexibility, or just find it more convenient, all those in the high risk categories can be vaccinated free of charge at a community pharmacy on the Isle of Wight. All pregnant women can be vaccinated by antenatal services.
Whilst many people who suffer from flu will have a short term illness from which they make a full recovery, this is unfortunately not the case for some. Those at particular risk of serious complications necessitating a hospital stay, and in the severest cases death, are those aged 65 years or over, pregnant women and those with long-term conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, kidney and liver disease and people who are immunosuppressed.
Last year a large number of younger, working age, people became ill and we are keen not to repeat that this year. Dr Jenifer Smith, Director of Public Health for the Isle of Wight, said: “I am amongst those who have been enjoying the mild autumn and not given a high priority to this important preparation for the winter but am rectifying that today (15th November). I would urge others to do the same, especially the large number of pregnant women who have yet to be vaccinated. We have plenty of vaccine at all places where vaccination can be done and anyone in doubt of whether they are eligible for free vaccination can contact their GP, a community pharmacist, or occupational health service.”
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Issue date: 15 November 2011
For further information, please contact the Communications Department, Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust, St Marys Hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5TG. Telephone number 01983-552003 (out of hours please contact the switchboard)
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