The influenza vaccine season is here.
Last Winter saw quite a bad influenza hit the Kerry area.
Please note that the vaccine does NOT give you the flu.
Each year, the HSE / Dept of Health supplies a new version of the vaccine, so that the vaccine will protect against the strains of influenza that are known to be circulating in the world at the moment.,
Prevention is better than cure.
The “flu vaccine “ is recommended for the following high risk groups.
a)patients over the age of 65 years
b)patients who suffer from chest problems particularly: Asthma, COPD, Emphysema, Frequent Chest Infection,Pneumonia
c) diabetics.
d) chronic illness such as heart disease
e) neurological disease
f) obesity
g) carers, adults who care for others with illness or disability
h) health care workers, doctors , nurses, carers, therapists.
i) pregnancy (if you get the flu when pregnant it can have an effect on the baby). Flu vaccine is now advised for all pregnant women.
j) those whose immunity is reduced due to surgery , illness, medical treatments
The influenza is provided free of charge to the high risk groups.
If you do not have a medical card, there is a charge of €30 to administer the vaccine.
We will be carrying a stock of the vaccine from the end of September.
The practice nurse will be running a FLU VACCINE CLINIC several days each week.
Phone the practice to get your appointment.