The National influenza immunisation programme 2018

Influenza is a highly infectious, acute viral respiratory tract infection which has a usual incubation period of 3 days. Symptoms can develop suddenly and can include a dry cough, headache, fever and extreme fatigue. It is spread by droplets, aerosol or through direct contact with the respiratory secretions of someone with the infection.

For otherwise healthy individuals, it is usually a mild self-limiting disease with recovery occurring within 2 – 7 days. However, for young babies, pregnant women, the elderly and patients with other medical conditions, influenza can have serious consequences and in some cases even death.

This year we have two injectable inactivated influenza vaccines for different ages:

65yrs old and above (and people becoming 65yrs by 31^st March 2019)

·         adjuvanted Trivalent influenza vaccine (aTIV) called Fluad

6mths - <2yrs and 18yrs – 64yrs

·         quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV)

2yrs – <18yrs

·         live attenuated quadrivalent influenza vaccine (LAIV) called Fluenz Tetra

This live vaccine is available for:

·         All healthy children who are aged 2or 3yrs old on 31^st August 2018

·         Children 4 - <17yrs in ‘at risk’ groups. Children in ‘at risk’ groups who have any contra-indications to receiving a live vaccine can be given an inactivated vaccine instead

Due to manufacturing issues this year (which are out of our control), the vaccine deliveries have been staggered over 3 months which has meant that we have had to prioritise the more elderly and higher risk groups first. Appointments are available to book at both Balsall Common and Meriden surgeries over October and November so please contact your surgery to book your flu vaccine in the next available appointment.