This year has been an unprecedented year for change in the way we all are working and delivering patient care due to the Corona Virus pandemic. Our flu campaign is finally upon us and we would like to take the opportunity to inform you of the changes that we have put in place to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. You may have read in the news or seen in the newspapers that flu campaigns will need to be run in large environments to help reduce the threat of any spread of Covid-19. We are fortunate at Bridge Medical to have a large enough waiting room to enable us to hold our flu clinics at the surgery. We will be structuring our clinics to longer sessions to avoid long queues and help our patients keep a socially distanced 2 metres. We ask for your patience during your visit.
If you are eligible for a flu jab you will receive a letter of invite. This letter will include a unique bar code, we cannot vaccinate you without this bar code so it is very important that you bring your letter with you to the clinic.
We would like you to take note of these important changes prior to attending for your flu jab:
Personal protective equipment
- For the safety of our patients and staff, all staff will be wearing personal protective equipment
- We would ask that you wear a face covering when attending for your vaccination, unless you are exempt from doing so
Attending for your vaccination
- DO NOT ATTEND if you are unwell with COVID-19 symptoms.
- Please attend for your vaccination at your given time, we are only allocating a set number of patients to each time frame to ensure social distancing is adhered to
- Please attend alone unless you have a carer
- Due to social distancing the clinic will be held in an open space rather than a clinician room, so please ensure the clinician can access your upper arm without having to remove any clothing; if you would like to wear a jacket, please ensure this has been removed prior to entering the building
- Please ensure you bring your letter with you, you will not be vaccinated without your letter
Carers are also eligible for the free flu vaccination (as the welfare of the person may be at risk if the carer falls ill). If there is someone you rely upon to care for you we suggest they contact their own GP practice to ask for a free flu jab.
If you decide not to have the vaccination please let us know so we can enter this on your medical records.
Please disregard your letter if you have already had your flu vaccination.
Below are some frequently asked questions which you may wish to discuss in advance of the clinic. Please ring reception prior to attending the clinic if you have any questions.
Frequently asked questions about the flu vaccination
What is flu?
Flu is a highly infectious disease. The symptoms, that come on very quickly, include fever, chills, headaches, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness. For most healthy people, a bad bout of flu is worse than a heavy cold usually requiring someone to spend a few days in bed. However, serious infections, especially in those with underlying health conditions, although less common, can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability and even death.
What causes flu?
Flu is caused by viruses that are spread from person to person. They infect the respiratory system, where they can lead to pneumonia and other complications. The viruses are constantly changing and this is one of the main reasons why people should be vaccinated annually.
How is flu spread?
Flu is spread by coughs and sneezes that propel infected droplets of saliva or nasal secretions into the air which are then breathed in by others. The disease is also spread by people touching surfaces that the droplets have landed on and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes. This is why frequent hand washing or using an antiseptic hand rub is so important during the winter flu season.
How can I avoid catching flu?
It’s quite hard to avoid because people may be able to pass the virus on to others a day or so before symptoms start to show (as well as up to seven days after), so they won’t know if they are spreading the virus or not. So it’s very hard to avoid contact with people infected with the flu virus. And, of course, members of your family can always bring it into the home.
You can also wash your hands regularly but this won’t stop you catching the disease by breathing in the infected droplets in the air. The best way to help avoid getting flu is by having the vaccination.
Why is flu more serious for me if I am an older person?
The risk of serious illness from flu and consequent hospitalisation and death is higher among those aged 65 years and older as they are more likely to have an underlying health problem and the immune system does not work as well. The best way for people at risk from flu to protect themselves is to get the flu vaccine.
Why do underlying health conditions or pregnancy make it more serious for someone who gets flu?
You are at particular risk of severe illness if you get flu and have an underlying health condition, or are pregnant. This means that you are more likely to be admitted to hospital or on rare occasions be admitted to intensive care and even potentially die.
Will I be completely protected by the vaccination?
By having the vaccination you will be significantly reducing your risk of getting flu but no vaccine offers 100% protection.
Will I get any side effects?
There are some fairly common but mild side effects. Some people get a slight temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days afterwards, and your arm may feel a bit sore where you were injected. Any other reactions are very rare. Serious side effects in children are uncommon but many develop a runny or blocked nose, headache, general tiredness and some loss of appetite that lasts for a short period.
I had the flu vaccination last year. Do I need another one this year?
Yes, the flu vaccine for this winter provides protection against some different strains of flu from last year’s. For this reason we strongly recommend that even if you were vaccinated last year, you should be vaccinated again this year.
Where can I get more information?
Speak to your GP practice or visit the flu pages on the NHS Choices website at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pages/flu-influenza-vaccine.aspx