Flu Vaccinations - how will new changes affect you? Posted or Updated on 20 Aug 2018

Flu is a nasty virus which can cause unpleasant symptoms and can lead to complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia which is why its important to take up the offer of a flu vaccine.

Every year, the strains of flu are monitored and the likely evolution of the disease is mapped to help ensure the annual vaccine targets the most common flu strains. 

This year, the national programme includes an adjuvanted trivalent flu vaccine (aTIV) vaccine for those people over the age of 65 years. This vaccine has been used widely in other countries and has been shown to offer a greater level of protection than previous vaccines for people of this age.

Those aged between 18 and 65, who are at risk of catching flu, will receive a quadrivalent vaccine (QIV) which protects against four strains of flu.

Children eligible for a vaccination should receive a quadrivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), which is a nasal vaccine. All children who were born on or after 1st September 2014 and on or before 31st August 2016 are eligible for vaccine at Clarendon Lodge Medical Practiceas well as those older children who receive a letter of invitation for flu vaccine. Primary school aged children born between 1.9.2008 and 31.8.2014 will be offered vaccination at school. The effectiveness of this vaccine is good and children under the age of 5 have the highest rate of hospital Admission for flu of all age groups so the vaccine is a worthwhile precaution.

Appointments not clinics

Because of the variety of vaccines being given this year, along with a planned slower supply of the vaccine for those aged 65+ all patients need to book an appointment for their vaccination. 

We have ordered enough vaccines to immunise all eligible patients but appointments will be spread from Sept - Nov. The most vulnerable patients will be prioritised. Please help us by booking an appointment for your flu vaccination when invited to do so, even if that is later than in previous years.