RESIDENTS have been warned that they are leaving themselves vulnerable to illness after failing to take advantage of the flu vaccination.
According to the Department of Health the uptake of this year's vaccination is "not very good".
This means there are a large proportion of people in the Island at risk of picking up the illness especially as there is currently a significant number of cases of flu circulating locally.
Long term weather forecasters have also warned that the temperature will drop below average in November and December which further increases the risk of flu and several other conditions.
This year's flu vaccine offers protection against three common strains of the flu virus including H1N1 – more commonly known as Swine Flu.
Eligible residents are encouraged to make an appointment with their Doctor as soon as possible.
People eligible for the vaccination include:
- Pregnant women
- People aged 65 years or over
- Carers – defined as those who are in receipt of a carer's allowance or those who are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person
- Those living in long stay residential care homes or other long stay facilities
- Those who work in close contact with poultry including veterinary staff
- Those with chronic illness including respiratory, heart and renal disease
To find out if you are eligible click here.
