Influenza (Flu) Vaccines
How we are doing - accurate on 05/11/2020
|
Upcoming Flu Clinics
Weekdays 1000h to 1030h at Bradgate - All at risk groups and over 50y olds. All appointments can be booked online through the NHS app. Otherwise call reception on 0117 959 1919. |
Further supplies of vaccines have started to arrive at GP surgeries. The vaccine protects adults and children against flu and its complications. This year more than any we need to be protected from flu.
Why is the flu vaccine so important this year?
For most flu can be an unpleasant experience but - if you're otherwise healthy - you will recover from the worst of the symptoms within a week. But flu can be more severe in certain people. At risk groups are more likely to develop potentially serious complications of flu, such as pneumonia (a lung infection), so it's recommended that they have a flu vaccine every year to help protect them.
Over 50y olds
There is an extra cohort eligible for flu vaccines this year due to the extra pressures of coronavirus. This special group consists of those over 50y of age that wouldn’t normally be eligible as they do not fall into an at risk group.
Why is the flu vaccine so important this year?
- We will not be able to tell who has flu and who has COVID. The NHS might struggle to manage the burden of COVID this winter and an influenza epidemic at the same time would stretch the NHS to its limits.
- Co-infection with more than one virus is surprisingly common, especially for hospitalised patients. A combination of Flu and COVID would be especially dangerous and deadly.
For most flu can be an unpleasant experience but - if you're otherwise healthy - you will recover from the worst of the symptoms within a week. But flu can be more severe in certain people. At risk groups are more likely to develop potentially serious complications of flu, such as pneumonia (a lung infection), so it's recommended that they have a flu vaccine every year to help protect them.
Over 50y olds
There is an extra cohort eligible for flu vaccines this year due to the extra pressures of coronavirus. This special group consists of those over 50y of age that wouldn’t normally be eligible as they do not fall into an at risk group.
How do the clinics work?
This year is different! We are running walk in car park flu clinics. We have chosen to do the vaccination in the car park to keep you safe. The risk of COVID transmission is lowest outdoors with natural air flow. Outside in the tent we will be able to offer a COVID safe vaccination environment.
Important points to bear in mind
Important points to bear in mind
- Wear suitable clothing: something with short sleeves or that can be pulled off the shoulder.
- If it rains, bring a coat and umbrella. The vaccine stations will be under cover but you will be outside before you receive your vaccine. Don’t worry, you won’t be waiting long!
Who is eligible for the NHS flu vaccine?
|
The flu vaccine is routinely given on the NHS to:
How effective is the flu vaccine?
Flu vaccine is the best protection we have. Studies have shown that the flu vaccine will help prevent you getting the flu.
It will not stop all flu viruses and the level of protection may vary. But if you do get flu after vaccination, it's likely to be milder and shorter-lived than it would otherwise have been. |
Taken from VeryWellHealth - click for comparison of COVID and Flu
|
