Flu immunisations
Influenza immunisation is offered to all patients who are within the groups that are considered to be most at risk from complications following an infection. Every year the flu viruses change and so it is important that people at risk get a flu immunisation each year. Since for some the consequences of flu can be quite severe the Department of Health strongly recommends that people in the following risk groups should be offered flu immunisation:
- Chronic lung disease (including asthma requiring regular treatment with an inhaled steroid eg Becotide, Flixotide or Intal) and in particular those who find that their asthma gets worse following a viral infection
- Patients who have had cardiac surgery in the past e.g. valve surgery or major cardiac surgery in infancy
- Chronic renal failure
- Diabetes
- Chronic liver disease
- Stroke
- MS or chronic degenerative neurological disease
- Weak or compromised immune system due to disease i.e. HIV/Aids. or treatment including those who have no spleen or splenic dysfunction. Those patients who have had leukaemia, Hodgkin's Disease or any other illness that renders the patient immunocompromised
Influenza, or flu is an unpleasant condition and can make you feel very ill for several days with high temperature, aching limbs and weak muscles. It may also cause a dry cough, sore throat and runny nose. Fortunately it is a self limiting illness and most young healthy people do not need the protection of an the vaccine.
For advice and information about what to look out for or what can be done to minimise the effects of a bout of flu visit one of the health web sites e.g. NHS Direct.
If you are in an at risk group it can lead on to more serious consequences and so immunisation is a prudent precaution.You cannot catch flu from the vaccine.
You are most likely to catch flu in the winter and so immunisations are started from October onwards to allow protection to develop before the flu season begins. All people identified to be in the high risk group at registration will be called first for their new patient health checks and offered immunisation then.
Recalls from last year
Those who are in a high risk group and had a flu immunisation last year will need another one this year and will be given a time to attend one of the dedicated flu immunisation clinics in October. They will be for 5 minutes and by appointment only. If you do not receive your appointment or are in a high risk group and did not have an immunisation last year you should contact Angela Newman at the Health Centre at the end of October either in person, at the office or by phoning 0117 3302720 to book a time.