Flu Vaccination Information
Swine Flu
We can treat patients who think they may have the swine flu (H1N1) virus. Please call the surgery to arrange a home consultation with the doctor. We also currently have limited supplies of Tamiflu 75mg available (flu treatment) and are able to confirm diagnosis of swine flu by taking swabs for analysis. Prices are available on request.
We have recently been informed that the Department of Health will be distributing the Swine flu (H1N1) vaccination to Private Practitioners for their high Risk patients.
You will be pleased to learn that the Department of Health has changed its view on supplying Swine flu vaccination to Private General Practitioners. Swine flu vaccine will now be made available to Private GP’s for the priority groups of patients described below;
- Individuals aged 6 months and up to 65 years who could be considered at risk by virtue of underlying medical conditions. These would include; asthma, bronchitis, heart disease, taking steroids, history of cancer, impaired intellectual or physical development and general infirmity.
- All pregnant women
- Household contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- People aged 65 and over who have medical conditions that put them at risk ( see group 1)
The Department of Health is also recommending that all children from 6 months to five years of age be vaccinated against swine flu, although they have not commenced this programme yet.
For the above group of patients it is suggested that you ring the surgery to organise an appointment to come in and have this vaccination. As we are receiving this vaccine free from the Department of Health, there will no charge for the actual vaccine, however an immunisation fee of £12 per person will apply.
Swine flu at the moment seems to be a fairly mild illness but given the number of people that may be susceptible to the illness there is a significant risk that there will be a large body of patients affected by complications of flu.
Please contact the surgery for the most up to date information regarding Swine flu, treatment and prevention.
Seasonal Flu
We carry out Influenza vaccinations for registered patients as well as many companies in and around London. Vaccinations are near completion for 2009 but please contact the surgery as we do have spare vaccinations for you and your family or company.
Why should I have a flu vaccination?
For all the normal reasons;
- Your own well being.
- Avoiding flu at work or when commuting on crowded buses and trains is difficult.
- Help to stop passing infection between family, friends and the wider community.
- If you have other health issues, for example; asthma or if you are undergoing treatment for cancer, you are advised to have a flu vaccination each year.
- Flu vaccine is safe and recommended during pregnancy.
& This year in particular;
- If you catch seasonal flu, your lowered immune system will be more susceptible to catching the swine flu virus and vice versa.
- If you catch seasonal flu and then subsequently contract swine flu you might be liable to be more severely affected by the virus and associated complications.
- The Department of Health specifically advise Pregnant Women to be vaccinated.
How does a flu vaccination work?
The World Health Organisation advises which strains of flu virus need to be included in the vaccine for every flu season. The injection does not contain the whole living virus, but only inactive pieces of it, so you can not catch flu from the vaccination. Your body will start to produce antibodies against the flu virus within 2 days of the vaccine being administered, so that when you are exposed, your body will be able to defend itself. The vaccination will give you cover for one year to certain variants of the flu virus.
Who cannot have a vaccination?
- Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to a flu vaccine before.
- If you are allergic to the medicines neomycin or gentamicin.
- Anyone who is allergic to egg or chicken products.
- Somebody who is feeling unwell or running a fever at the time of vaccination.
Seasonal Flu 2010
The Ealing Independent Family Practice offers a flu vaccine service to many companies based in and around London. This service is an inexpensive method of protecting your workforce from the current flu virus strains and reducing costly sickness absence over the winter months. We gain a high response by visiting your offices with a qualified nurse and administrator at a pre-appointed time. This service is offered to groups of 5 or more people, although you may prefer to visit us.
Any companies or large groups who are interested in organising an Influenza Vaccination Session for October 2010 should register their interest with the practice at any time. Prices for the 2010-2011 flu season will be available from Spring 2010 and preliminary pre orders will be accepted.