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IMPORTANT NOTE:Breakspear Medical Group has a limited supply of the recommended influenza vaccination for the 2011-2012 flu season.
The 2011-2012 Flu Vaccines
Breakspear is currently offering the following influenza vaccine for the 2011-2012 flu season:
Make: Agrippal
Manufacturer: Novartis
Stains: H1N1 A-California/7/2009
H3N2 A-Perth/16/2009
B Brisbane/60/2008
The cost is £20 for adults and children who have had the flu vaccination before and £30 for children if it is their first course, as they require 2 doses spaced 4 week apart.
Contact the Immunisation Department 01442 261 333 Option 1.
About Influenza
Influenza, also known as "flu", is a very contagious disease. It is caused by the influenza virus that can spread from infected people to the nose or throat of others.
Because the influenza viruses are constantly changing, each year an updated vaccination is available. It is recommended that an annual vaccination is received.
The best time to be immunised is in October or November. This is because the influenza season usually peaks anytime between November and the end of May and it can take about 2 weeks for immunity to develop after the vaccination.
Influenza symptoms include:
- fever, sometimes very high
- cough
- sore throat
- headache
- chills
- muscle aches
- fatigue
- sometimes seizures in children
These symptoms are common to many other illnesses which may be mistaken for influenza.
Influenza can lead to pneumonia and can be dangerous for people with heart or breathing conditions. Influenza can kill and particularly affects the elderly. People 65 or older are considered high risk for complications.
If you are at particular risk of contracting influenza, consider getting your vaccination today.
High risk of developing influenza:
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Have potential to spread to those at high risk: |
Those who should consider the vaccine: |
- people with low immune systems
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- household contacts and out-of-home caretakers of infants from 0-23 months of age
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- adults 50 years of age or older
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- children 6-23 months of age
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- physicians, nurses, family members or anyone else in close contact with people at risk
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- people living in dormitories or crowded conditions
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- women who are pregnant during the influenza season
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- travellers to the southern hemisphere between April and September
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- people who travel in organised tourist groups or to the tropics
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To make an appointment, contact the Immunisation Department 01442 261 333 Option 1.
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