Seasonal Vaccinations
Seasonal Vaccinations in Hillingdon
Getting the flu vaccine is a great idea. Maybe you are worried about catching the flu or you are concerned about having time off work. Or maybe you just want to make sure you do not pass it on to the more vulnerable members of your family. Whatever the reason, having the flu vaccine against this year’s strain of seasonal flu can give you protection and peace of mind. Oakleigh Pharmacy offers seasonal vaccinations in Hillingdon, London.
The importance of the flu vaccine
The significance of flu vaccination lies in the fact that, although flu is disagreeable for the majority of individuals, it can pose a risk and potentially be life-threatening for certain individuals, especially those with specific health conditions.
The optimal period for receiving your flu vaccination is during autumn or early winter, prior to the onset of flu transmission. However, it is still possible to obtain your vaccine at a later time.
The NHS flu vaccine is eligible for:
– Adults who are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
– People with certain medical conditions (including children in at-risk groups from 6 months of age)
– Pregnant women
– People living with someone who’s at high risk from coronavirus (on the NHS shielded patient list)
– Frontline health or social care workers
If you do not qualify for a free NHS flu vaccine we can still provide you with a private flu vaccination and this applies to both under and over 50s.
Who shouldn’t have the vaccine?
Most people can have a flu vaccine. However, there are a couple of exceptions:
If you are currently unwell with a fever, you should delay getting the flu vaccine.
If you have an egg allergy, speak to your GP or pharmacist before getting the jab.
Please speak to our pharmacy team about eligibility for getting your Season Vaccinations in Hillingdon.
The importance of the Covid-19 vaccine
COVID-19 is a virus that can cause serious illness.
The Covid Vaccine is the best protection against this virus. It’s safe and effective, giving you the best chance of staying healthy.
Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The NHS is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to people most at risk.
Covid Vaccine is a new, innovative vaccine that has been developed to protect against coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. It’s being offered in GP surgeries and larger vaccination centres across England. More are opening all the time. Use this service to book your appointment or manage your appointments if you have already booked through a GP or local NHS service.
You can only use this service if you:
– Are aged 40 or over
– Will turn 40 before 1 July 2021
– Are at high risk from COVID-19 (clinically vulnerable)
– Have a condition that puts you at higher risk (clinically vulnerable)
– Have a learning disability
– Get a Carer’s Allowance, get support following an assessment by your local authority or your GP record shows you’re a carer
Book your appointments
It’s important to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect yourself against the flu and COVID-19.
Book your flu vaccine with Oakleigh Pharmacy for your Seasonal Vaccinations in Hillingdon here.
Why have the pneumonia vaccine?
The pneumonia vaccine protects against serious and potentially fatal pneumococcal infections. The bacterium Streptococcus Pneumoniae are the main cause of pneumococcal infections and could lead to pneumonia, meningitis, and septicaemia. The infection can, in the worst case, cause permanent brain damage, or even kill.
Who is the pneumococcal vaccine for?
Anyone can be affected by pneumococcal infections. However, it’s recommended that people with a higher risk of serious illness are given the pneumococcal vaccination.
These include:
– Adults aged 65 or over
– Babies
– Adults or Children with certain long-term health conditions
How does the pneumococcal vaccine work?
Pneumococcal vaccines aim to stimulate the production of antibodies against pneumococcal bacteria throughout your body. Your body produces antibodies, which are proteins, to protect you from becoming ill if you become infected with the bacteria.
Although most strains of pneumococcal bacterium do not cause serious infections, researchers have identified more than 90 different strains.
The adult vaccine (PPV) protects against 23 strains and is believed to effectively prevent pneumococcal disease at a rate of 50 to 70%.
The PPV does not contain any live organisms and is referred to as an inactivated or “killed” vaccine.
Therefore, they cannot cause the disease they protect against.
Who should not have the pneumococcal vaccine?
Occasionally, you may need to delay having the vaccination or avoid it completely for a number of reasons;
A vaccine allergy
If you have had a serious reaction to any previous vaccination, you must inform your G.P. It may not be possible for you to have it if this severe allergic reaction was to the pneumococcal vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine. However, if the reaction is only mild, such as a rash, it is usually safe to continue.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Although experts consider the pneumococcal vaccine safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, you may prefer to postpone vaccination until after giving birth if the benefits do not outweigh the risks to your child.
Fever at the vaccination appointment
It is safe to have the vaccine if you are mildly unwell at the time of the vaccination. However, it is best to delay the vaccination if you are more seriously ill (for example, with a high temperature and feeling hot and shivery), until after recovery.
Learn more about the Seasonal Vaccinations in Hillingdon
For more details on our Seasonal Vaccinations in Hillingdon, or to book with us, get in touch!
