Tag Archives: Immunisation

Put it in the diary…

It might not be the time of year you want to think about getting a flu jab, but the NHS’ plans are well advanced for this winter’s immunisation programme.

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Once again you will be able to get a flu jab at your local pharmacy.

For residents in England, the good news is that once again you will be able to get a flu jab at your local pharmacy – no appointment necessary!

The national flu immunisation programme is being extended to children in a phased roll-out. As well as all two to four year olds, in 2016-17 the vaccine will additionally be offered to all children of school year 3 age. Children of school years 1 and 2 age will remain eligible.

The NHS hopes that the children’s programme, once fully implemented, will avert many cases of severe flu and flu-related deaths in older adults and others in ‘at risk’ groups.

Provisional data show that in 2015/16 the vaccine was well matched to the circulating strains of flu. Throughout the past decade, there has generally been a good match between the strains of flu in the vaccine and those that subsequently circulated.

Flu vaccination remains the best way to protect people from flu. Remember that come the autumn.

Are you – or your grandparents – eligible for shingles vaccination?

Shingles is an infection of a nerve and the area of skin around it. It is caused by the herpes varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox, and it can be quite unpleasant!

After a chickenpox infection, the virus can lie dormant in the nervous tissue but may reappear following reactivation as shingles. It is possible to have shingles more than once.

Shingles – are you eligible for vaccination?

A universal shingles vaccination programme started in September 2013 which aims to reduce the incidence and severity of shingles disease in older people.

If you were born between 2 September 1942 and 1 September 1945 (ie aged 70-72) or 2 September 1935 and 1 September 1937 (ie aged 78 or 79) then you are eligible for vaccination this year.

Check with one of our pharmacists if you need to know more about which vaccinations you are entitled to as part of the NHS Immunisation Programme.