Flu vaccinations available now at Giffords Surgery

ELIGIBLE patients can now book their annual flu vaccination at Giffords Surgery, Melksham.

If you are in one of the ‘at risk’ groups listed below, please telephone the clinic on 01225 896630 to book an appointment. They are also offering the vaccination to patients over 65 or ‘at risk’, if they have not previously had the vaccination.

The ‘at risk’ groups are:

• People aged 65 years or over

• · Patients who have a BMI greater than 40.

• Patients who have chronic heart disease, COPD, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, chronic neurological condition, or who have suffered a stroke

• Patients who are immunosuppressed, a weak immune system

• Patients who are pregnant

• Registered carers.

Adult only Saturday clinics are arranged for 27th October and 10th November. 

Flu (also known as influenza) is a highly infectious illness caused by the flu virus. It spreads rapidly through small droplets coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person.   For most people, flu is unpleasant but not serious. You will usually recover within a week.

Studies have shown that flu vaccines provide effective protection against the flu, although protection may not be complete and may vary between people.

Protection from the vaccine gradually decreases and flu strains change over time. Therefore, new vaccines are made each year and people at risk of flu are encouraged to be vaccinated every year.

The flu vaccination is offered to people in at-risk groups. These people are at greater risk of developing serious complications if they catch flu, such as pregnant women and elderly people.