Flu is an unpredictable virus that can cause mild or unpleasant illness in most people. It can cause severe illness and even death among vulnerable groups including older people, pregnant women and people with an underlying health condition.
Certain people are more likely to develop potentially serious complications of flu, such as bronchitis and pneumonia and these people are advised to have a flu jab each year. For otherwise healthy people, flu can be very unpleasant, but most people will recover within a week or two.
If you’re eligible for a free flu vaccination, then please pop along to one of our Flu Clinics on Tuesday 25th September from 11am to 12 noon, Saturday 6th October from 9am to 12 noon and Monday 8th October from 5pm to 6pm. There’s no need to book an appointment.
To be eligible for the flu vaccination, you need to be in one of the following groups: over 65, liver problems, coeliac, asthma/COPD, carers, splenectomy, kidney problems, immunosuppressed, sickle cell, heart problems/stroke, diabetes.
This year, two types of vaccinations will be offered in line with advice from NHS England and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). These are:
- The adjuvanted trivalent vaccine (aTIV) for all patients aged 65 and over. This is the most effective vaccine currently available for this group. This reflects current JCVI advice and Green Book guidance published in December 2017 by Public Health England (PHE). JCVI considers aTIV to be more effective and cost-effective than the non-adjuvanted vaccines currently in use in the elderly (including quadrivalent vaccine (QIV).
- The quadrivalent vaccine (QIV). NHS England has recommended that adults aged 18 to 64 in clinical at-risk groups are offered the quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) which protects against four strains of flu. This reflects current JCVI advice and Green Book guidance that was updated in October 2017.
Getting your flu vaccination at the surgery allows us to review other aspects of your health care such as reviewing your medication or taking your blood pressure. So, please see these clinics as a one stop shop.
And don’t worry if you can’t attend one of the clinics. Just pop in or ring us on 0115 921 1144 and we’ll do our best to squeeze you in with a Nurse or GP at a convenient time.
Ruddington Medical Centre
Editor’s note: If you’re registered with Church House Surgery on Shaw Street, you can contact them on 0115 984 7101 to book a flu jab.