Flu Immunisation
As we are a homeless practice, and homeless people are an ‘at risk’ group, we offer the flu vaccine to all our registered patients.
What is the flu?
Seasonal flu is a highly infectious illness caused by a flu virus. The virus infects your lungs and upper airways, causing a sudden high temperature and general aches and pains.
You could also lose your appetite, feel nauseous and have a dry cough. Symptoms can last for up to a week.
When will you receive it?
During the vaccination period, October to March, please attend the practice and ask to see the nurse.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
The pneumococcal vaccine (or ‘pneumo jab’ or pneumonia vaccine as it’s also known)
protects against pneumococcal infections.
What is pneumonia?
Pneumococcal infections are caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae and can lead to pneumonia, septicaemia (a kind of blood poisoning) and meningitis.
Who should have the pneumococcal vaccine?
A pneumococcal infection can affect anyone. However, some people need the pneumococcal vaccination because they are at higher risk of complications. These include:
- all children under the age of two
- adults aged 65 or over
- children and adults with certain long-term health conditions, such as a serious heart or kidney condition
Read more about who should have the pneumo jab.
How often is the pneumococcal vaccine given?
People over-65 only need a single pneumococcal vaccination which will protect for life. It is not given annually like the flu jab.
People with a long term health condition may need just a single one-off pneumococcal vaccination or five-yearly vaccination depending on their underlying health problem.
Useful information regarding Vaccinations:
• Why vaccines are safe and effective Why vaccination is safe and important – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• Oxford vaccine project Vaccine Knowledge | (ox.ac.uk ) (translations available)
• Polio, flu and MMR resources – publications website Search Publications – Health Publications
• Immunisation information for migrants (translations available) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immunisation-information-for-migrants