Beauchief Medical Practice Influenza (Flu) Clinic 24th September 2022
This year our over-18 FLU CLINIC will be running on Saturday 24th September at both Abbey Lane and Totley Rise sites. Please read through the information below before booking your vaccine:
Which flu vaccines will be offered this year?
Like previous years, there will be two different vaccines:
Fluad Quadrivalent Adjuvanted: for patients age 65yrs and over, or who will turn 65 by 1st April 2023.
Flucelvax Quadrivalent: for patients aged 18-64yrs
Who is eligible?
Before booking your vaccine, please check you are eligible by visiting the NHS site: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/
Please note that NHS England has advised healthy 50-64yr old patients should not be invited until after 15th October, to prioritise the more at -risk patients. We will be in touch with this age group after 15th October.
What about children?
Eligible children aged 2-18yrs will require the nasal flu vaccine, which is more effective in that age group. Please do not book children into the weekend clinic as we will not be offering nasal flu vaccines on that day.
School-aged children will usually be vaccinated at school. For all children aged 2-3yrs, as well as children with a clinical condition aged 0-2yrs and 16-17yrs, we will be in touch at a later date. You can check if your child is eligible for a flu vaccine by visiting: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine/
Can I get my Covid vaccine at the same time?
For logistical reasons, we will not be offering Covid jabs at the flu vaccine clinic. We plan to offer these separately at a later date and will update patients in due course.
What if I have an allergy?
If you have had an allergy or severe reaction to a previous vaccine, please DO NOT book a vaccine appointment. You should contact the practice for further advice.
Egg protein and aminoglycoside antibiotics are used in the manufacture of Fluad (the over-65 vaccine). If you are age 65yrs (or will turn 65 by April 1st 2023) and have had an allergy to egg or to aminoglycoside antibiotics (eg kanamycin, neomycin, amikacin, gentamicin, streptomycin, tobramycin), please DO NOT book a vaccine appointment. Please contact the practice for further advice.
Is the vaccine suitable for strict vegetarians and vegans?
Egg protein and fish oil are used in the manufacture of Fluad (the over-65 vaccine). They are not used for the manufacture of Flucelvax, which is generally considered suitable for strict vegetarians and vegans.
Please note that Fluad is expected to be more effective in the over-65yrs age group and we would generally recommend our patients have the appropriate vaccine for their age. If you feel extenuating circumstances apply, please contact the practice prior to booking your vaccine using the online form: /navigator/ask-the-reception-a-question/
How to book your appointment
- Via the SystmOnline website or app if you have previously registered for this. This is the best way as it reduces workload for our Reception team. Make sure you select the correct clinic: ‘Over 65’ includes patients aged 64 but will turn 65yrs by 1st April 2023.
- By sending a message via the practice website stating which site you would like the vaccine and whether you would prefer a morning or afternoon appointment. Reception will do their best to accommodate your preference. Once the appointment has been booked you will be sent an SMS confirmation. The practice website contact form is here:
/navigator/ask-the-reception-a-question/
- By phoning the practice but please note, this can block the lines for patients needing to ring regarding urgent medical matters, so please use options 1 or 2 above where possible.
On the day, there are a few things everyone can do to keep the service running smoothly
- Wear clothing that is easy to remove, and have your preferred arm out ready for the clinician to administer the vaccine
- Avoid bringing children where possible
- Do not be offended if we ask your age! We need to ensure you get the correct vaccine
- Please be sensible and considerate of others, some of whom may be immunosuppressed or clinically vulnerable. Use the hand gel provided when entering the building. Face masks are currently at patients’ discretion, but we would advise our vulnerable patients to wear them
- Please do not attend the flu clinic if you develop a fever (temperature over 37.5oC ) or are taking antibiotics for a current infection. Please contact Reception to cancel and rearrange