Welcome to Newmarket Road Surgery....
Flu vaccinations
Monday 26 September 2011
The flu vaccination season is upon us once again. Flu vaccinations are now available for those eligible (see below.) If you fit into one of the groups mentioned please make an appointment to get your vaccination and be protected.
You may have a flu jab when you see any doctor or nurse in a booked appointment,. Those who are housebound can be given their vaccinations at home
Who
The Department of Health (DH) issues advice as to whom should be immunised. This is reviewed from time to time. The aim is to protect people who are more likely to develop complications from flu. Current advice is that you should be immunised against the seasonal flu virus each autumn if you:
- Are aged 65 or over.
- Have any chronic (ongoing) lung diseases.
Examples include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, cystic fibrosis and severe asthma (needing regular steroid inhalers or tablets). It is also recommended for any child who has previously been admitted to hospital with a chest infection. - Have a chronic heart disease.
Examples include angina, heart failure or if you have ever had a heart attack. - Have a serious kidney disease.
Examples include nephrotic syndrome, kidney failure, a kidney transplant. - Have a serious liver disease such as cirrhosis.
- Have diabetes.
- Have a poor immune system.
Examples include if you are receiving chemotherapy or steroid treatment (for more than a month), if you have HIV/AIDS or if you have had your spleen removed. - Have certain serious diseases of the nervous system such as multiple sclerosis or have had a stroke in the past.
- Live in a nursing home or other long-stay residential care accommodation.
- Are pregnant. Even if you are otherwise healthy it is now recommended for all pregnant women.
In addition to the main at-risk groups of people listed above:
- You should be immunised if you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill with influenza.
- Staff involved in direct patient care may be offered a flu jab from their employer.
The decision whether to vaccinate a Patient outside of these groups will be based on the GP's clinical judgement.
Tell the Doctor or Nurse before your flu vaccination if:
- You feel unwell, have a temperature, or an infection
- You are allergic to either eggs or chicken
- You have had a reaction to a previous flu jab
- You are pregnant
- You are allergic to antibiotics
Please ask at Reception for further information
Resources
For more information on flu immunisation, including background information on the vaccine and how you can get the jab, see Seasonal flu jab.
HPA - Season Flu Guide
RCGP & RPS Joint Statement on Flu Vaccines
Seasonal Flu guide
These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
There is wheelchair access through the main surgery door at the rear of the building. Patients can be seen in a downstairs consulting room if they cannot manage the stairs.