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Swine Flu Vaccination
Adults: We have sent written invitations to the groups below to book an appointment in our Swine flu vaccination clinics. These are appointment only clinics - please ring to book an appointment if you have received a letter. If you have not received a letter but you think you are in one of the groups below please contact reception who will ask a doctor for permission to book you a place.
Children: We are now calling all children between 6 months and up to 5 years of age. Invitation letters will go out shortly for our Children?s Swine Flu Clinic on Wednesday 16th December. Please ring to book an appointment ? you do not need to wait for a letter. This is an appointment only clinic.
The following groups of people who have the greatest risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus have been invited;
- those people under 65s who have the underlying health problems listed below
- those people whose immune system is affected by an illness or treatment (and their household contacts living with them)
- Pregnant women
- those people over 65 who have the underlying health problems listed below.
Breaking News:
- Children between 6 months and 5 years of age are now being called for swine flu vaccination. You do not need to wait for an invitation letter before booking an appointment.
- Carers may be added by the government to the at risk groups at a later date ? watch this space
Tip: you can ask for a Seasonal flu jab at the same time as having your Swine flu jab in the Swine flu clinic.
If you have received a letter and you do not want to be vaccinated, please return the reply slip to us so that we do not send you any more letters. For further Swine flu clinic dates please watch this space.
Which people are most vulnerable from swine flu?
Those who are more at risk from becoming seriously ill with swine flu are people with:
- chronic (long-term) lung disease, including people who have had drug treatment for their asthma within the past three years
- chronic heart disease
- chronic kidney disease
- chronic liver disease
- chronic neurological disease (neurological disorders include motor neurone disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis)
- suppressed immune systems (whether caused by disease or treatment)
- diabetes
- pregnant women
- people aged 65 or older
- young children under five
Swine flu ? be prepared
Visit the NHS Choices website for more information.
What should I do if I think I have swine flu?
1. Do not come to surgery unless asked to do so. Stay home and find out about symptoms: Swine Flu Information Line 0800 1 513 513 or the online NHS swine flu symptom checker
2. If you think you have the symptoms contact: The National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1 513 100 or www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk
- This service will assess the patient?s symptoms by telephone or online and, if required, provide an authorisation number, which can be used in England to collect antivirals from a local Antiviral Collection Point.
- This service is only for people with high temperature and other symptoms which are likely to be caused by swine flu.
- If you belong to a high-risk group it is important you start taking antivirals as soon as possible. High-risk groups include people over 65, children under five, and those listed below.
- Ask a healthy friend or relative to pick up the medication for you from the antiviral collection point.
- In the meantime, take paracetamol-based cold remedies to reduce fever and other symptoms, drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest.
3. Only telephone your GP directly if:
- you have a serious underlying illness / immunosuppression
- you are pregnant
- you have a sick child under one year of age
- your condition suddenly gets much worse or
- your condition is still getting worse after seven days (five for a child).
4. Reduce the risk of catching or spreading flu
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with a clean tissue.
- Bin the tissue quickly after one use.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and hot water.
- Clean hard surfaces (e.g. kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
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