The Frome Medical Practice has announced that bookings for your flu vaccination for 2018 are now open.
As well as being able to have your vaccination during the midweek, patients will this year also have available to them special Saturday flu clinics during September and October.
“Free flu vaccination is available to patients who may be particularly vulnerable and at risk,” says senior partner at the practice, Dr Helen Kingston. “This group includes anyone aged 65 or over, pregnant women and both adults and children with an underlying health condition (such as long-term heart or respiratory disease such as asthma). All children aged 2-4 are entitled to a free vaccination as their young age places them at higher risk if they catch flu. For children, the vaccine is administered via a nasal spray not an injection.”
The three special Saturday flu clinics announced by the practice are on the 15th September and the 22nd September (adults only) and Saturday 13th October (adults and children).
“The Saturday flu clinics run between 8.30am and 12.30pm,” adds Dr Kingston. “However, the weekend clinics are always extremely popular and I would urge early booking.”
Pre-booking is advised on all flu vaccination appointments. The easiest way for patients to book their appointment is online at www.fromemedicalpractice .co.uk. Alternatively, patients can telephone the practice on 01373 301301 or book direct in person with the reception team.
Once a booking is made, patients will then get a text reminder shortly before their vaccination appointment date. The practice will be working with groups who use the medical centre and be offering vaccinations to patients at the same time as they visit for an exercise class or support group.
Guidance from the NHS advises that the flu vaccine is the best protection against the unpleasant and unpredictable virus. Studies indicate that whilst the flu jab will help prevent you getting the flu, it does not offer 100% guarantees that you will be flu-free. However, for anyone getting flu after vaccination, then that dose of flu is likely to be milder and shorter-lived than it would otherwise have been.
Dr Kingston estimates that just within her practice, there are over 8,000 patients entitled to a free flu vaccination.
“This number includes the main carers of those who are disabled or elderly and whose welfare would be at risk in the event of their carer becoming ill. I would also point out that for those over 65, they are also entitled to a free pneumonia vaccination providing life-time cover. For anyone in doubt whether they are eligible or not for a free vaccination then they should contact us and we would be delighted to assist.”
Pictured: Dr Helen Kingston at the Frome Medical Practice.
