FLU CLINICS

ARE YOU AT RISK FROM THE EFFECTS OF SEASONAL FLU?

Some people are more susceptible to the effects of seasonal flu. For them it can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, or can make existing conditions worse. In the worst cases, seasonal flu can result in a stay in hospital, or even death.

*** PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS YEAR THERE ARE DIFFERENT VACCINES AVAILABLE; THE VACCINE IS AGE RELATED SO THAT THOSE AGED OVER 65 WILL RECEIVE A DIFFERENT VACCINE FROM THOSE AGED UNDER 65 ***

Even if you feel healthy, we strongly advise you to have the seasonal flu vaccination if you have:

• a heart problem, kidney disease or liver disease
• a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including bronchitis or COPD (emphysema)
• diabetes
• lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment)
• had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
• a neurological condition, for example multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
• a problem with your spleen, for example sickle cell disease, or you have had your spleen removed
• learning difficulties
• a BMI of more than 40

OR

• are pregnant
• are aged 65 years or over
• live in a residential or nursing home
• are the main carer of an older or disabled person
• are employed as a carer

We have slots available every day throughout the week from 11th September. Please ring the Surgery to book one of these appointments.

Children aged 2 to 3

Children born between 01/09/2014 and 31/08/2016 will be invited by letter for a flu vaccination which is given as a nasal spray in both nostrils. Parents can make an appointment with one of the Practice Nurses.

Children aged 4 to 9

These children will be offered a flu vaccination at school and will not be vaccinated by the Surgery unless they are in one of the clinical ‘at risk’ categories listed above.

Pneumococcal vaccination

If you are aged over 65 or are in an ‘at risk’ group (see above) you can have a vaccination against pneumonia at the same time as your flu vaccination. Most people only need to have this vaccination once in their lifetime. If you would like to have a pneumonia vaccination, please ask the Nurse when you are having your flu vaccination.