Flu and Pneumonia Vaccines

Flu vaccinations (annual) and Pneumococcal vaccinations (usually just once in a lifetime).

Flu Vaccination

Every October and November we run 'Flu Clinics' for giving annual Flu vaccinations to patients in an 'at risk' group. The Clinics are advertised in advance in the local parish and community newsletters, on posters in the Surgery, and on reminder slips put in with dispensed medicines. Once the Clinics have been running for two or three weeks we send reminder letters to people who have not yet attended.

At risk groups eligible for free annual Flu vaccinations:

• All those aged 65 years and older

All those aged over 6 months in the following groups:

• Chronic respiratory disease including COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, cystic fibrosis
• Asthma if treatment requires continuous or repeated use of inhaled or oral steroids, or with previous exacerbations needing hospital admission
• Chronic heart disease
• Chronic renal disease
• Chronic liver disease
• Diabetes
• Immune suppression due to disease or treatment
• Those living in long-stay residential care or nursing homes
• Those who are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.

Pneumococcal Vaccination

This is usually a ‘one-off’ vaccine and can be given at any time of year to patients in an 'at risk' group. We often offer it at Flu Clinics if an eligible patient has not already had one. Re-immunisation is not currently recommended for most people. Re-immunisation is only recommended after 5 years for people whose antibody levels are likely to decline rapidly, for example those with no spleen, with problems with their spleen or with nephrotic syndrome. Please do not hesitate to ask Doctor or Practice Nurse about your individual situation.

At risk groups eligible for free Pneumococcal vaccinations:

• All those aged 65 years and older

All those aged over 2 months in the following groups:

• People without a spleen or with problems with their spleen
• Chronic respiratory disease including COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, cystic fibrosis
• Severe asthma if treatment requires continuous or frequently repeated use of inhaled or oral steroids
• Chronic heart disease
• Chronic renal disease
• Chronic liver disease
• Diabetes
• Immune suppression due to disease or treatment
• Individuals with cochlear implants
• Children under 5 years who have previously had pneumococcal disease
• Individuals with the potential for cerebrospinal fluid leaks.