Seasonal vaccinations

A message from the Medical Centre, you can contact them on 01608 661845:

Seasonal Immunisations

Flu is a highly infectious disease which is different from having a cold. [nbsp]The symptoms of flu come on suddenly and include fever, headache, extreme tiredness and an aching body. A dry cough, sore throat and stuffy nose are other common symptoms of the infection.

Flu occurs most often in the winter months and usually peaks between December and March.[nbsp] The national vaccination programme is particularly aimed at those individuals who have a higher risk of serious complications of flu, such as older people, aged 65 and over and people with serious medical conditions, such as

• Chronic respiratory disease
• Chronic heart disease
• Chronic renal disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment

[nbsp]Last year we vaccinated nearly 3000 people in a six week period, and this year we plan to do the same.[nbsp] If you are eligible for a flu vaccination we will write to you inviting you to one of our flu vaccination clinics, which at the point of writing were scheduled for:

• Saturday 28^th September 9am until 11:30am
• Friday 4^th October[nbsp] 2.15pm until 4.45pm
• Saturday 5^th October[nbsp] 9am until 11:30am
• Thursday 10^th October 4:45pm until 6:45pm

[nbsp]Due to the number of patients requiring the vaccine the vaccination programme is carefully planned, and we therefore ask you to attend one of the clinics to which you are invited.[nbsp] Due to available capacity and the need to continue to provide a full primary care nursing service throughout the period we will not make individual appointments for flu vaccination for anyone aged 17 or over, so please attend one of the clinics.

[nbsp]Shingles

This year, there is a national vaccination programme to vaccinate those aged 70 against Shingles and also this year there is also a ‘catch up’ campaign to vaccinate those aged 79 (born between 02/09/33 and 01/09/34).[nbsp][nbsp] If you are going to be eligible for this vaccination we will write to you individually to advise you how you can receive the vaccination should you wish to have it.[nbsp][nbsp]