Local residents and parents of children who are ‘at risk’ from flu are being urged by the Isle of Wight NHS to claim their free flu jab.  

As you get older, you might find an illness like flu harder to shake off. You can protect yourself now by taking advantage of free flu immunisation of which 26,941 flu vaccines were given by Island GPs last year.

Consultant in Public Health Dr Paul Bingham said:

If you are entitled to a free flu jab and are wondering whether it is worth it – you have not had flu recently or you would be towards the front of the queue. 

We have had a number of quiet flu years but even so, nationally a significant number of those in the vulnerable groups have been hospitalized and some have died.  

Influenza is a respiratory illness characterised by sudden onset of fever and cough, with other possible symptoms being chills, headache, sore throat and aching muscles and joints.

There is a wide spectrum of illness, ranging from minor symptoms through to pneumonia and death. The most common complications of influenza are bronchitis and secondary bacterial pneumonia.

Flu symptoms can disable a victim for one to two weeks. If complications result this can be much longer and include a spell in hospital.

The seasonal flu vaccination is free of charge if you are aged 65 or over, or to those of any age if you have:

• A serious heart problem such as heart failure
• A serious asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• A long-term kidney or liver disease
• Diabetes
• A weakened immune system as a result of an illness such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) or AIDS or due to treatment, such as chemotherapy.

The flu vaccine does not contain live virus and so cannot cause flu, it can cause mild side effects, as can any vaccine, for example vaccinations for foreign travel; sore arm, slight temperature and aching muscles. 

In the context of the serious complications of flu, vaccination side effects are  considered acceptable by most people.

Dr Bingham added:

“Those in the groups vulnerable to flu and entitled to free vaccination should act now and contact their GP.”

For more information about flu and the flu jab, contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or the NHS website