The flu vaccine – why it’s not just about protecting yourself

If there is one good thing to come out of 2020, it’s that many people now have a greater understanding of the impact our health (or ill health) can have on those around us. Take the flu, for example. Whereas in the past, some people may have underestimated the effects of the virus, many now understand that although they personally may return to full health within a week or so, there is a very real chance they could pass it on to someone more vulnerable who may not be so lucky. And that is why we are encouraging people to seriously consider getting the flu vaccine this winter.

Symptoms of the flu

The flu is a highly contagious virus and the onset of symptoms is typically quite sudden. They include:

• High temperature
• Tiredness
• Body aches
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea

Although highly unpleasant, the symptoms can be treated fairly simply with rest, fluids, and paracetamol or ibuprofen, and in most cases the person will feel better in around seven days.

When flu becomes more serious

For some people, however, the flu poses a more serious risk. It can make chronic medical problems worse and it can trigger an extreme inflammatory response in the body and lead to sepsis. Indeed, every year, the flu virus kills 11,000 people and hospitalises thousands more.

Those most at risk

Anyone can catch the flu, but there are several groups that are at higher risk of developing complications. They include:

• Children under the age of 5
• Adults aged 65 or older
• Pregnant women

We can all play our part

It is essential that those within the high-risk groups listed above receive their annual flu vaccine. However, those outwith these categories should also consider getting the flu vaccine. In doing so, you’ll be playing your part in protecting those around you, including the most vulnerable, for whom flu could potentially prove to be fatal.

Now is the time to act

The flu virus typically peaks between December and March, and as we are all aware, this year the UK healthcare system is facing unprecedented pressure as a result of the covid-19 crisis. If you haven’t received a flu jab yet, we suggest you book one as soon as possible.

It’s easy to do, simply email reception@your.gp or call us on 0131 225 5656.

Keeping costs down

The far-reaching effects of the covid-19 crisis has led to supply issues and costs of the flu vaccine have increased dramatically this year. We at YourGP have done our best to keep the cost as low as possible for our patients.

The flu vaccine costs £27.50 per person, which  includes the vaccine and the appointment with the nurse.

We currently have stock of the quadrivalent and trivalent (over 65) vaccine, however, please be aware that stock is limited.

Corporate Bookings

Our corporate flu vaccination programme is designed to help protect your workforce against the spread of flu, helping to maintain your business’s productivity during the flu season.

YourGP offer corporate flu packages, delivered via our clinic or in the ease of your own company premises, which can help reduce employee absence.

If you would like to refer your employees to us so that they can receive their flu vaccination in clinic, we can negotiate a competitive rate for these appointments – which will all be facilitated by one of our highly experienced nurses.

If you would prefer the convenience of having our nurse attend your company premises then we can also offer this service, with an even more competitive rate – depending on volume.

If you would like to organise an onsite flu clinic then YourGP will:

• Provide a blank clinic template, allowing you to book each staff member into an appointment slot – or alternatively we can organise the clinic directly with your staff if you’d prefer
• Send you, or your staff, our flu consent form, which can be completed ahead of the onsite clinic
• Organise for one of our nurses to attend your company premises and administer the flu vaccine to the employees that wish to receive it
• Ensure that our nurse is provided with full PPE and follows strict guidance while attending your premises

If you are interested in arranging flu vaccines for your employees, contact sales@your.gp for more information.