A QUARTER of patients aged 65 and over on the Isle of Wight have not been vaccinated against influenza, new figures show.

The NHS offers free flu jabs to the most vulnerable patients – such as those in older age groups, with weaker immune systems, or pregnant women.

But new figures show 76 per cent of 43,000 patients aged 65 and over on the Island had received a vaccine as of the end of November, with the remainder more vulnerable to the illness.

This was the same as the national average.

Official guidance says vaccinations remain "critically important", reducing the burden on the health service as it deals with regular winter pressures and the continued fall-out of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Vulnerable people under 65 had lower coverage, with 39 per cent vaccinated on the Island.

Meanwhile, uptake among pregnant women was at 26 per cent at the end of November.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, is urging older people to get vaccinated against flu and Covid-19.

She said: "Flu vaccines help protect against the main types of flu viruses and although there's still a chance we might get flu even after vaccination, the symptoms are likely to be milder and more short-lived.

"With all the worries about the rising cost of living and energy prices and with the additional pressures on the NHS at wintertime, it’s more important than ever to stay fit and well this year, and getting these vaccinations will help.”