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Flu jabs 2017


 


It’s time to think about getting a flu vaccination.


This winter could see a very high number of flu cases in the country.


Australia is currently in the grip of its worst flu outbreak on record and the global circulation of the virus means that episodes in the Antipodes are indicators of the likelihood of outbreaks in Europe later in the year.


For many people a bout of flu will result in symptoms such as headaches, aches, pains and tiredness.


However for people in “at-risk” groups flu can have serious consequences, leading to existing health conditions getting worse or the development of an illness such as bronchitis or pneumonia.  For example, if you have asthma the symptoms may become more severe if you catch flu. For people with diabetes flu can potentially cause high blood sugar levels. Pregnant women should know that a bout of the flu could leave their child with a life-long health condition.


That’s why it is so important that people in these “at-risk” groups arrange to have a flu vaccination.


You are eligible for a free flu vaccination from your GP practice if you:



  • Are aged 65 years or over

  • Are pregnant

  • Receive a carer’s allowance or are a Ccarer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill

  • Are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility

  • Are aged between six months and 65 years and have a heart problem, a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, lowered immunity due to disease or treatment, liver disease, had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack(TIA), diabetes, a neurological condition or a problem with or removal of the spleen e.g. sickle cell disease

  • Are a child born between 1 Sept 2013 – 31 August 2015 – plus children in reception class and school years one, two and three.


If you know someone in one of these categories please remind them of the importance of protecting their health this winter.



Please speak to a member of Staff if you would like any further information or to book an appointment.

 

 

Important Information COVID-19

As we learn to live safely with COVID-19, there are actions we can all take to help reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 and passing it on to others. These actions will also help to reduce the spread of other respiratory infections. COVID-19 and other respiratory infections such as flu can spread easily and cause serious illness in some people.

What to do if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, including COVID-19. It is no longer mandatory to test if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms but below is some guidance you can follow to try and stay safe and protect those around you.

If you or people you live with DO NOT HAVE coronavirus symptoms and you think you need primary care help and advice, don't delay.

We are continuously reviewing how we can deliver our services and taking into consideration the importance of social distancing and delaying the spread of the virus.

To support this we have had to take some important steps and changes: 

FOR ALL PRESCRIPTIONS PLEASE WAIT FOR THE TEXT MESSAGE TELLING YOU YOUR PRESCRIPTION IS READY BEFORE CALLING OR VISITING THE SURGERY.  

We are now scheduling face to face appointments across both sites of which we have a limited number, and still remain to provide telephone consultations for those who are unable to or do not need/ wish to come down to the surgery.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 prior to your appointment, please telephone in to re-arrange your appointment. If you have any respiratory infection symptoms, including COVID-19 and have not tested as it is not mandatory anymore, we ask that you please continue to wear a face covering to the surgery.

Please note when booking that telephone appointment times are approximate.

For more guidance and the latest updates visit: Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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