Annually, during Autumn, we run a programme to vaccinate patients against influenza. All patients over 65 or in the ‘at risk’ categories are eligible for immunisation. The categories are Respiratory Disease including Asthma, Diabetes, Heart Disease or Renal Failure.
If you are over 65 you will also be eligible for a Pneumovax Immunisation (if you have not had this previously). Please mention this to the receptionists when you telephone us to make your appointment.
Is it for you?
Flu (influenza) is a very common illness that is highly infectious and spread by the coughs and sneezes of people who have it.
To protect people who are most at-risk of serious illness or death if they develop flu, the Department of Health recommends flu vaccination every year for everyone in the groups below:-
- People aged 65 years and over
- All those aged 6 months or older with the following conditions:-
- Chest problems, including certain asthmatics on steroid inhalers or steroid tablets and those with chronic bronchitis or emphysema
- Chronic heart disease
- Diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic neurological disease
- People who are immunosuppressed, have no spleen or whose spleen does not work properly
- Pregnant women
Those in contact with people who may be at risk of developing serious complications from flu:
- People living in long stay residential care homes
- Carers
- Healthcare professionals