Flu Information

UPDATED 8th January 2020

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR FLU JAB?

IF NOT, THERE IS STILL TIME

Over the Christmas period there have been high levels of flu in the Forest of Dean putting significant pressure on local services and services at GRH.

It’s not too late, we still have flu vaccines available for those patients who are eligible.

Those eligible are anyone over 65 years of age, anyone with a chronic disease/underlying conditions, pregnant ladies and carers.

If you haven’t had your vaccination yet, please contact Reception as soon as possible on 01594 542270 to book your appointment now.

If you do not want to have a Flu Vaccination this year

If you do not wish to have a flu vaccination, please let us know so that we can note your record accordingly and then won’t need to contact you again about this.

Who should have the Flu Vaccine?

If you fall into one of the following groups you are eligible to receive an NHS flu vaccination from the Surgery:

  • Aged 65 years or over on the 31st March 2020
  • Live in a residential or nursing home
  • Are the main carer of an older or disabled person
  • Are a household contact of an immunocompromised person
  • Are a frontline health or social care worker
  • Are pregnant
  • Children aged two and three years of age on the 31st August 2019.  Children of other ages should be offered the vaccine at school – please visit www.nhs.uk/child-flu for further information
  • If you have a long term condition, such as:
    • a heart problem
    • a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including bronchitis, emphysema or severe asthma
    • a kidney disease
    • a lowered immunity to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment)
    • you are a newly diagnosed cancer patient
    • liver disease
    • have had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
    • are diabetic
    • a neurological problem, eg, multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy or learning disability
    • a problem with your spleen, eg, sickle cell disease, or you have had your spleen removed
    • are seriously overweight (with a BMI of 40 or above)

The list of conditions is not definitive.  If you do not come into any of the categories above and feel you should have a flu vaccination, your GP will be able to advise further.

Further information

If you need further information or have any questions about the flu arrangements for this year, please contact the Surgery and ask to speak to either Laura Weyman or 01594 545332 or Debbie Hope-Hill on 01594 545333 who will be happy to help.