Influenza Factsheet

What is new about influenza vaccine?

The Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health recently announced the everyone over 65 years should in future receive influenza vaccine every year. I endorse this change and have accordingly amended my practice protocol.

What strains of virus are being used this year?

    * A/Panama

    * A/New Caledonia

    * B/Yamanashi

These are the currently prevalent strains of the influenza virus which changes its immune profile all too frequently.

Who else should receive the vaccine?

Patients who suffer with chronic heart, respiratory or kidney disease, diabetes or those who have immunosupression either due to disease or treatment.

What should you do now?

If you are in one of the above groups of patients or if you heve reached 65 years, you should book your injection with Sally Heap, my practice nurse, in early October. Other patients, particularly those working in an office environment, may also receive the vaccine if they so wish.

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