Island residents who are in the eligible category to receive flu vaccination are urged to make an appointment at their doctor’s surgery to receive the flu vaccination without delay. The reason for this is: a) There are a significant number of cases of flu circulating locally b) The uptake of the flu vaccination this year has not been very good which means that there are a large proportion of vulnerable people who are leaving themselves unprotected against flu c) Long term weather forecasters warn that the temperature will drop to below average in November and December this further increases the risk of not only flu but several other conditions. This year’s flu vaccine, like previous years, offers protection against three common strains of flu virus including H1N1. H1N1 is the commonest strain in circulation. Large numbers of people have received the vaccine across the world with no serious side-effects. Advice to the public: · If you are in the eligible category for flu vaccination; please make an appointment to receive the vaccine. · If you are pregnant it is important that you receive the vaccine – H1N1 virus is known to cause serious disease in pregnant women and the current vaccine offers protection against H1N1. Large numbers of pregnant women across the world have received the vaccine – without any adverse effects. · Please remember flu can be serious in those with underlying health problems and for pregnant women this year because of H1N1. Do not delay. - ENDS -