Seasonal Flu 2011/2012

It is time for our annual flu vaccination programme to begin. No doubt you will all remember the fuss we had 2 years ago with swine flu or H1N1! This year there are no concerns about pandemic flu.

The seasonal flu vaccine always contains 3 components, against the most prominent flu viruses around at the time.

Anyone who suffers from heart or lung problems or has certain other long term medical conditions, or is 65 or over or is pregnant, should get the flu vaccine.

Conditions and diseases which can make flu much more dangerous include:

heart disease
chest complaints or breathing difficulties including bronchitis, emphysema or asthma
chronic kidney failure
cystic fibrosis
lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment -chemotherapy or radiotherapy)
HIV infection
liver problems such as cirrhosis or hepatitis
if you have had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
diabetes
a neurological condition e.g. multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
a problem with, or removal of, your spleen e.g. sickle cell disease.

If you are pregnant, you are at greater risk of complications from the flu. Having the vaccine now could help you avoid catching the flu and protect your baby.
If you have children aged six months or over who suffer from any of the conditions above, they should be vaccinated too.
Anyone undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment should also get vaccinated.
You should also have the seasonal flu vaccination if you live in a residential or nursing home, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person.
Unpaid carers of any age including young carers are also eligible for the flu vaccine.

Some health or social care professionals may be entitled to flu vaccination. This will not be provided by us, but through your occupational health service. If you are not in any of these groups but would really like to have it done, unfortunately we are not in a position to do this for you but there are several places around Aberdeen where this can be arranged for a small charge. These include Michie's, Boots and Albyn Hospital.

For more information about Flu and the vaccine, please see www.immunisationscotland.org.uk. Most of you know the symptoms of flu include high temperature, cough, cold symptoms, muscle aches, sore throat and headache. You will know that it is important to rest during the illness, take plenty fluids and regular Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Most times the illness will pass after a few days with no complications.

Can I take this opportunity to encourage as many of you as possible to have your immunisation done. We know that the elderly population tend to be good at coming but sometimes those of you in the 'at risk' groups are less inclined to do so. We know that if you have some of these chronic diseases and if you catch influenza, the affects can be very nasty.

Some of you will have heard of the pneumococcal vaccine. This protects at risk people from various infections including chest infections. This is a vaccine which is usually only given once. People will be contacted on their 65th Birthday to encourage them to attend for this. Those in the other 'at risk' groups are also eligible. Unfortunately, we are unable to give this vaccine at the flu clinic. However, perhaps you would be kind enough to make an appointment with the Practice Nurse at your convenience to have this done.

If you are unable to come to the surgery and usually have your flu jab given by the District Nurses, there is no need to contact the Surgery to remind us about this. The District Nurses are fully aware of those who are in this category and they will arrange for these immunisations to be done in the near future.

If you have recently joined our Practice are unable to get to the surgery or if your condition has changed and you are unable to come in then perhaps you could be kind enough to let us know.