Health campaigns
Seasonal Flu Campaign
2020-21
Prevention
The National Flu Immunisation programme aims to provide direct protection to those people who are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell if they were to catch the flu.
Groups eligible for Flu Vaccination include older people, pregnant women and those with certain underlying medical conditions.
2020-21
This year, due to the Covid -19 outbreak many services have experienced some element of disruption and have needed to operate in very different ways. This has certainly been the case, here at the surgery and will also include the way in which we deliver our National Flu programme this year
Most people will be familiar with the way in which the Flu Clinics have run in the past and whilst the practice aims to deliver a very streamlined and efficient service, we are now having to look at alternative ways for patients to receive their flu vaccinations.
What are we doing differently?
All eligible patients will be sent an invitation to book an appointment for Flu Vaccine. This will include important information about the clinics and additional instructions with regard to Covid-19
SMS
For patients who have agreed for communication via Text messaging, we will send you an invitation via Text
Email
For patients who have agreed for email communication, you may receive an email invitation. Otherwise you may receive an invitation in the post.
Infection Control & Safe distancing measures
We currently have effective measures in place to reduce footfall into the Practice and whilst conducting the Flu clinics, this will continue without exception.
It will not be possible to operate open-house flu sessions as in previous years.
One-way
We will be operating a one-way system in and out of the Practice and patients will be asked a series of covid health screening questions prior to entry.
PPE
Patients will be asked to wear a face covering and sanitise their hands prior to entry and on leaving the building.
Safe Distancing
Patients will be expected to respect the safety of others, by adhering to the safe distancing measures in place.
Appointment
Patients will be given a time to arrive and will not be permitted entry to the building early.
Patients will be expected to attend un-accompanied unless they have a specific reason to bring someone with them.
Uncovered Arm: You will be asked to uncover the upper aspect of your arm so please ensure you have clothing with easy access to reduce time during the appointment
A fast-track queue will be offered for patients with reduced mobility or specific needs.
Pharmacy will be open as usual, but customers will need to use the Pharmacy side entrance only. No access via Health Centre Reception.
Eligible Patients
The main cohort of patients eligible for the Flu Vaccination remain the same as in previous years i.e. Patients aged 65yrs and over, patients under 64yrs with co-morbidities which put them at risk of ill health, pregnant women, care/nursing home residents, carers
Extension to the National Flu Programme
The Government has announced an extension to the National Flu Programme.
This will mean that all patients over 50yrs and also patients identified as Covid High Risk (Shielding) and their household members will be included in the extended Flu programme.
We are awaiting national directives regarding the delivery of the extended programme for this group of patients, but it is anticipated that this will be delivered towards the end of the National campaign (November/December).
Children
This Year (2020-21) all primary school aged children will be offered the vaccine as part of the Schools Vaccination programme.
Children aged 2-4yrs will be offered the nasal flu vaccine in Practice, once this becomes available.
Flu Vaccination Supply
The Practice has ordered sufficient vaccines for all eligible patients, based on the current recommendations by NHS England.
However, this year we will be operating a staged approach as the Flu season evolves, so patients’ in the highest risk categories will be prioritised and invited to attend first.
We intend to offer regular Nurse sessions throughout the season and also some additional weekend sessions as required, by appointment only.
Please Note:
We will NOT be holding “open house” Flu Clinics this year
If you haven’t already provided us with your mobile number or agreed for communication via SMS, please consider this now.
You can help us to help you, by improving our communication methods.
We are hoping for a better than ever uptake for the flu vaccination, as it’s never been more important to be protected. We ask that you please bear with us, as we anticipate the whole vaccination programme will take longer this year.
Please be assured that the safety and wellbeing of all our patients and staff, during this difficult time is our priority and we are doing our up-most to ensure this.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of our reception team, who will be happy to help.
01995 670066 or
email [email protected]
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Antibiotic awareness
Antibiotic resistance (when an antibiotic is no longer effective) is a major problem. It is one of the most significant threats to patients’ safety in Europe. Antibiotic resistance is driven by overusing antibiotics and the inappropriate prescribing of them. It’s important that we use antibiotics the right way, to slow down resistance and make sure these life-saving medicines remain effective for us and future generations.
To find out more about responsible use of antibiotics, visit: www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/ARC/pages/AboutARC.aspx