|
We can only offer flu
immunisation to our patients in the
risk groups designated
by the DOH. Initially we are
targeting those in groups 1 and 2
below and if you
fall into one of these categories
you should attend one of the
advertised
sessions. As supplies of injections
may be limited we will notify people
who
fall into other groups when it is
their turn to be immunised.
The full guidance is available
online at
Department of Health/Flu
In summary the National policy
for 2005/06 is that influenza
immunisation should be offered to:
(i) All those aged 65 years and
over:
(ii) All those aged over 6 months in
the following clinical risk groups:
| Clinical risk
category |
Examples (decision
based on clinical judgement)
|
| Chronic
respiratory disease,
including asthma |
This includes chronic
obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) including
chronic bronchitis and
emphysema; and such
conditions as bronchiectasis,
cystic fibrosis,
interstitial lung fibrosis,
pneumoconiosis and
bronchopulmonary dysplasia
(BPD). Asthma requiring
continuous or repeated use
of inhaled or systemic
steroids or with previous
exacerbations requiring
hospital admission. Children
who have previously been
admitted to hospital for
lower respiratory tract
disease should be offered
vaccination. |
| Chronic
heart disease |
This includes
congenital heart disease,
hypertension with cardiac
complications, chronic heart
failure and individuals
requiring regular medication
and/or follow-up for
ischaemic heart disease. |
| Chronic renal disease |
Chronic liver disease
Including nephrotic
syndrome, chronic renal
failure, renal
transplantation. Including
cirrhosis. |
| Diabetes |
Diabetes mellitus
requiring insulin or oral
hypoglycaemic drugs. |
|
Immunosuppression |
Due to disease or
treatment. Including
asplenia or splenic
dysfunction, HIV infection
at all stages. Patients
undergoing chemotherapy
leading to immunosuppression.
Individuals treated with or
likely to be treated with
systemic steroids for more
than a month at a dose
equivalent to prednisolone
at 20mgs or more per day
(any age) or for children
under 20 kgs a dose of 1mg
or more per kg per day.
However, some
immunocompromised patients
may have a suboptimal
immunological response to
the vaccine. |
(iii) Those living in
long-stay residential care homes or
other long-stay care facilities
where rapid spread is likely to
follow introduction of infection and
cause high morbidity and mortality
(this does not include prisons,
young offender institutions,
university halls of residence etc).
(iv) Those who are the main carer
for an elderly or disabled person
whose welfare may be at risk if the
carer falls ill. Vaccination should
be given at the GP’s discretion.
PLEASE NOTE:
Influenza immunisation sessions
usually take place in October each
year. |
