Out of Hours: 111
Mon-Fri: 8.00am - 6.30pm
Dated: 5-Nov-18
Seasonal flu is a highly infectious illness caused by a virus.
The virus infects your lungs and upper airways, causing a sudden high temperature and general aches and pains. You could also lose your appetite, feel nauseous and have a dry cough. Symptoms can last for up to a week.
Please speak to reception to book an appointment if you:
· are 65 years of age or over
· are pregnant
· are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility
· receive a carer’s allowance, or you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill
· or have a serious long-term health condition, including:
o chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma
o chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
o chronic kidney disease
o chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
o chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease
o diabetes
o problems with your spleen – for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed
o a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS
o being seriously overweight (BMI of 40 or above)
· eligible children who are aged 2 and 3 on 31st August 2018 – that is, children born between September 1, 2014 and August 31, 2016
· Children who are 4 years old are also eligible for flu vaccination provided they were 3 on August 31, 2018. These children should be offered the vaccination at their general practice.
· Children in reception class and school years 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 will be offered their vaccination in school. In a couple of areas it might be offered in primary care settings.
· Flu and the Flu Vaccine – NHS
· Children’s Flu Vaccine – NHS
· Flu Vaccine FAQs – NHS
· Which Flu Vaccine should children have? – gov.uk (PDF)
· The Flu Vaccination – gov.uk (PDF)