By Mal Butler
A top Island pharmacist is urging people to have their new flu vaccinations for the coming winter.
Tim Gibbs, who owns Yarmouth Pharmacy, said: “You need a flu vaccination every year because the viruses keep mutating.
“Every year the vaccination is adjusted to protect you against the latest variants which can cause flu. The vaccine takes about two weeks to give immunity and lasts about six months.
“It is important you get a flu vaccination, as flu can cause serious illness and can be life-threatening to elderly and vulnerable people.
“The vaccine creates antibodies that protect you from flu, and there are no flu viruses in the vaccine so you cannot catch flu from the vaccine. Autumn is the best time to receive your flu jab to protect you through the winter.”
The jabs are free to all those aged 65 or over, those who turn 65 by March 31, 2024, and to many people with other conditions including diabetes, heat and respiratory. Private flu jabs are also available.
Isle of Wight Observer