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Islanders Urged To Get Flu Jab As Virus Numbers Soar

Hundreds of patients with flu are being cared for in local hospitals as cases of the virus rise across the Isle of Wight.

The numbers of patients with flu being cared for in intensive care units is increasing locally, as it is in other parts of the country.

It comes amid significant ongoing pressure across all local health services. Health and care teams are doing all they can and continue to prioritise patients according to clinical need.

As well as rising flu rates, wide-ranging pressures impacting on local services include large numbers of people contacting NHS 111, high numbers of attendances at emergency departments, and soaring appointment requests to GP practices.

Dr Tim Cooper, GP Partner and Deputy Chief Medical Officer for primary and local care at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, said:

“More people locally are needing hospital care due to flu and we strongly encourage anyone eligible for the vaccine who has not yet taken up the offer to do so as soon as possible to help protect themselves and those around them.

“Nobody should put off seeking urgent or emergency care, but please contact the most appropriate service for your need to ensure you can get the right care in as timely a way as possible. 

"Thank you to everyone for their understanding as we work together to tackle this challenging situation."

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