Flu Vaccinations 2011-12

From 16 September, the Willow Surgery will be writing to all patients recommended to have this year's annual influenza (flu) vaccine*

As in previous years, to ensure that everyone gets the vaccination in time for the winter we will be arranging special "flu clinics" throughout October. To ensure the smooth running of these clinics patients are asked to please bring your letter to the appointment. There is also no need to phone reception in advance to confirm that you will be coming.

The national policy for patients who are advised to have the seasonal influenza vaccine remains the last year, namely:

  • All those aged 65 years and over
  • All those aged 6 months or over in a high clinical risk group
    This includes children with Asthma (although only if they require the regular/daily use of a steroid inhaler) as well as Diabetes, heart, kidney, lung, liver or neurological disease.
    However, unlike at the time of the national swine flu pandemic, the NHS has not recommended the routine immunisation of all pre-school children.
  • Pregnant women*
    Vaccination is safe at any stage of pregnancy (1st, 2nd or 3rd trimesters)
  • Those living in long-stay residential care homes
    However, this does not include prisons, university halls of residence etc.
  • People who are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.

* We will not be writing to pregnant women as they will be contacted separately by their midwife.

Date 

Time 

First letter of surname 

Sat 1 October 

9.00- 12.30

A & B 

Sat 1 October

12.30- 3.30

C, D & E 

Tues 4 October

12.00- 12.45

F 

Wed 5 October

12.00- 12.45

G 

Tues 11 October

12.00- 12.45 

I & J 

Wed 12 October 

12.00- 12.45

K 

Thurs 13 October 

11.00- 12.45

L

Tues 18 October 

12.00- 12.45

M

Wed 19 October 

12.00- 12.45

N

Thurs 20 October 

11.00- 12.45

O, P & Q

Sat 22 October 

9.00- 12.30

R & S 

Sat 22 October 

12.30- 3.30

W & T 

Tues 25 October 

12.00- 12.45

U & V 

Wed 26 October 

12.00- 12.45

X, Y & Z 

Thurs 27 October 

11.00- 12.45

H 

If you are unable to attend your appointment, we will be running drop-in clinics on Weds 9 November and 16 November 5.00- 6.30pm. There is no need to book, but please be prepared to wait. Alternatively you may attend with someone in your household who has a different surname.

About Seasonal Influenza

Will this flu vaccination protect me against H1N1 Swine Flu?
 Yes, the H1N1 Swine Flu Virus has been included in the seasonal Influenza Vaccine.

What is flu?
 Influenza (flu) is a highly infectious illness caused by a virus- the influenza virus.  It tends to start suddenly with symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, aching muscles and feeling generally unwell, together with a cough or sore throat.  It is usually much more than a simple head cold, although people sometimes call a heavy cold 'flu.'  Colds are more likely to start gradually with a sore throat and stuffy or runny nose and to be less severe.

Flu is spread by coughs and sneezes from people who are already infected with the virus and it can spread very rapidly.

Influenza is around every winter.  Most of it occurs within a few weeks, so that a lot of people are ill at the same time.  The viruses are always changing, so this winter's flu will be slightly different from last winter's.  If it is a very bad year, this may amount to what is called an epidemic.  How much flu there will be each year is difficult to predict.

How serious is flu?
 For most people, flu is a nasty experience and it can lead to more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia which may require treatment in hospital.  Sadly, every winter a lot of mainly older people die from influenza.

How does the vaccine work and is it effective?
 About a week to ten days after the vaccine is injected, your body makes antibodies to the vaccine viruses.  These antibodies help to protect you against these viruses.

Does the vaccine have side effects?
 Flu vaccine is very safe and as it does not contain any live virus it cannot cause flu.  You may get some soreness where the vaccine was injected.  Less often, people get a slight temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days after being vaccinated.  You should not be vaccinated if you have any serious allergy to hens' eggs.  If in doubt, ask your doctor.

When is the best time to be vaccinated?
 The best time to be vaccinated is between September and early December, ready for the winter.  You should not wait until flu is widespread.