Seasonal Flu update
03
Flu activity rising
The HPA reports a rise in the number of flu cases over the Christmas period. With flu activity rising at this point in the season, it's not too late to be vaccinated. Our walk-in srevice is still running, an we also have good stocks of Tamiflu, for treatment of flu and protection of household contacts.
19
The Flu Virus has arrived
The Flu Season has started, according to the Department of Health (not to be mistaken for the flu vaccination season - which is nearly over). Flu traditionally strikes anytime between Christmas and Easter, so its arrival now is only slightly ahead of cue (just in time to "spoil Christmas" - according to the Daily Telegraph).. It is not to late to be vaccinated, and the Department of Health has reminded doctors that flu is a treatable illness, and that antiviral medication (Tamiflu, Relenza) can and should be used where appropriate. The Fleet Street Clinic has both vaccine and Tamiflu available, but will be closed from 24th December to 1st January inclusive.
10
Latest news about Crucell flu vaccine
News of the problems with Crucell's flu vaccines this winter have recently hit the headlines but the problem has been brewing for some time, problems like this are nothing new. Vaccine manufacture is a biological process, highly vulnerable to technical problems; it is exceptional for any flu season to be free from problems with supply. All vaccines are subject to rigorous quality and safety checks before being released to the market, which is why this year's flu vaccines from Crucell have not yet been released. We think very highly of Crucell vaccine technology, so it is truly a great shame that their product is not available this year.
If you are one of our prospective clients, and you have wondered why our service is sometimes more expensive than other providers', here is the main reason: we know how easy it is for vaccine supplies to be disrupted, so we we order flu vaccines from many different sources without simply picking the cheapest option. Unlike many other providers who are now having to cope with supply problems, we know for certain that we can meet all our clients' needs, on time and without interruption.
You can be assured that there have been no safety concerns or other issues around any other brand of flu vaccine this winter, and vaccination remains a safe and health option.
28
Special offers for 50+
We strongly recommend vaccination against Shingles (with the new Zostavax vaccine) and also advise patients over 50 to consider being vaccinated against pneumonia (with the Prevenar 13 conjugated vaccine). Both vaccines are expensive and need a doctor's appointment. The benefits are huge, and if you take the plunge, we'll vaccinate you against flu at no extra cost (with one of our premium vaccines).
28
Vaccine supply problems loom
Making flu vaccines commercially is a tricky business, and several manufacturers have experienced problems during the 2012/13 season, leading to delayed supply, and in some cases, serious questions over whether a usable product can be produced in the time available. Vaccines shortages, later in the season, may be inevitable. Our advice? As always, book now!
24
At last, a needle-free flu vaccine for kids!
This season, for the first time in the UK, children aged 2-18 will be able to benefit from a new vaccine that comes in the form of a nasal spray. This vaccine has been used successfully in other countries for up to seven years, and is believed to be more effective in children than other standard vaccines - and there's no need for a needle! Too bad it is not available for adults!
01
Pneumonia Vaccine for Adults: worth having at the same time
We are pleased to offer adults over 50 the option of enhanced protection against pneumonia with the conjugated pneumococcal vaccine. This has been used in children for many years and has successfully cut pneumonia rates in the age groups where it has been used; it is now available for adults.
23
Vaccine composition announced for 2012/13
The WHO has announced the composition of the 2012/2013 flu vaccine. Each season, the vaccine compositon is reviewed and updated where needed to include the three strains most likely to cause illness. The new vaccine protects against two new strains, but still also includes protection against H1N1. Follow this link for the full technical details.
16
Flu concerns for pregnant women
More needs to be done to ensure pregnant women understand the importance of protecting themselves against flu. Pregnant women are understandably reluctant to take any drug or vaccine while pregnant, but missing out on the flu jab may meanthat they are putting themselves and their unborn child at risk. Dr Maureen Baker of the Royal College of GPs explained to GP Magazine that there needs to be an increase in flu vaccination uptake amongst pregnant women. You can also read a summary of the article here.
19
Low Vaccine Uptake in Pregnant Women
Only one in four pregnant women has so far been vaccinated against flu, according to pre-Christmas figures from the UK's Health Protection Agency, leaving women in a precarious position if flu rates increase in coming weeks, when few supplies of vaccine will remain. Other key findings from the HPA:
08
24
More children should be vaccinated against flu
A report in the British Journal of General Practice estimates that 7000 lives would be saved each year in the UK, if children over six months and under five years of age were routinely vaccinated against flu.
This is now normal practice in many other countries. The UK Department of Health is still evaluating the case for offering this on the NHS. In the meantime, our service offers this as a simple, low cost option in the private sector.
15
Young and middle aged adults hit hardest last winter
Young and middle aged adults were hit hardest by last winter’s flu outbreak, the Health Protection Agency has recently confirmed. Compared with other age groups, those aged between 15 and 64 were also most likely to have visited their GPs with flu symptoms, and their rates of hospital admission were also higher. 602 people across the UK died from confirmed influenza infection, and more than 70% of the fatal cases were in people aged 15 to 64 – outside the usual risk groups for severe complications of flu.
There were also 25 deaths in children, and nine deaths in pregnant women. Only 37% of healthy pregnant women were vaccinated – most slipped through the net.
10
2011 Southern Hemisphere flu vaccine is same as 2010/11 Northern Hemisphere vaccine
The Southern Hemisphere flu season is approaching, and the vaccine now being offered is identical in composition to the current Northern Hemisphere vaccine. Unusually, this means that people travelling to the Southern Hemisphere can now receive flu vaccination before they go – something that is not normally possible because of the way that vaccines are licensed. If you're planning a trip to Southern Hemisphere destinations such as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa during the coming months, and have not already been vaccinated against flu this winter, protection could be well worthwhile.
12
Flu Complications Warning
Hospitals in the UK are on high alert for a rise in complications from H1N1 infection. The Department of Health has reminded doctors to use anti-viral treatment in suitable cases, and is also reminding people in risk groups (including pregnant women) to be vaccinated now. In addition, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to be vaccinated and avoid flu this winter - it's so easy. Although this year's vaccination programmes are almost at an end, there's still time: call us now, or drop in, if you'd like to be vaccinated. More...
15
Department of Health Updates Advice for Pregnant Women and other risk groups
ALL pregnant women should be vaccinated this season - unless they have already had the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine, in which case flu vaccine is "optional" or "not required".
15
More progress towards a "universal" flu vaccine
Scientists report significant progress towards the ultimate goal in flu vaccine technology - a single vaccine that could protect all of us against every strain of flu, and that would not need to be updated as strains change each year. Preliminary tests in mice show promising results, but the necessary technology will have to be tested much further before it could be used in humans. Find out more here.
03
Study confirms vaccination during pregnancy protects newborn babies
A study of flu vaccination in 340 pregnant women has confirmed that immunity is passed "passively" to the newborn baby, providing protection lasting several weeks. This protection is important because newborn babies are vulnerable to flu infection, but cannot be vaccinated "actively" themselves until they reach the age of six months. The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine and showed that the immunity of the newborn baby closely mirrored the immunity of the mother, confirming that vaccination of mothers before or during pregnancy is a sensible way of providing newborns with protection from flu viruses.
01
Flu Vaccination Advised for All - US Government recommends
The US Government health agency, the Centers for Disease Control, has expanded its recommendations for 2010 seasonal flu vaccination to include the entire US population for the first time. See here for more information.
03
Register now for a Reminder!
If you would like us to let you know when this year's seasonal flu vaccine becomes available, simply follow the links to register, or follow us on Twitter. We are always one of the first practices in the UK to receive our stocks of flu vaccine, and we'll let you know as soon as it arrives.
The WHO has confirmed that this season's flu vaccines will all include protection against H1N1 swine flu.