Issue 497 – Patients urged to come forward for flu jabs

WESTBURY Group Practice is encouraging its patients in risk groups to come forward to receive their flu vaccination as the winter months approach.

The practice invites all patients over 65 years, and those in the “at risk” groups, to receive their annual flu jab at the flu clinics in October.
Patients in “at risk” groups are those who suffer from heart disease, respiratory problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney disease or liver disease; diabetes; a neurological condition like multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy; lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (for example, no spleen, cancer or HIV); patients who have previously had a stroke or TIA (transient ischaemic attack); all pregnant women; and all carers.
Westbury Group Practice say, “You may be feeling ‘fighting fit’ now, but having the flu could affect you more seriously if you are ‘at risk’. The flu vaccine is not a live vaccine and cannot give you flu.
“This year the vaccine will protect you against ‘swine flu’ (H1N1 virus) which will be one of the circulating viruses this winter.”
The following flu vaccination clinics will be held:
• Tuesday 4th October 3.00pm-5.00pm at Fairfield Farm College, Dilton Marsh, for Dilton Marsh patients.
• Thursday 6th October 10.00am-12.00noon at Jubilee Hall, Bratton, for Bratton/Edington area patients.
• Saturday 15th October, 8.30am-2.00pm at Eastleigh Surgery for all patients.
No appointment is necessary. If you are unable to attend any of these sessions, please contact your surgery after 25th October.