Pneumonia Vaccine
Protect Yourself from Pneumonia: Get the Pneumococcal Vaccine
As we move into the colder months, it’s essential to think about protecting our health, particularly against respiratory infections like pneumonia. The pneumococcal vaccine is a key defence that can prevent serious illness, especially for those most at risk.
What is the Pneumococcal Vaccine?
The pneumococcal vaccine protects against the most common bacteria that cause pneumonia, a potentially life-threatening lung infection. This vaccine is especially important for people aged 65 and older, as well as those with weakened immune systems, who are more vulnerable to severe complications.
Why You Should Get Vaccinated
Pneumonia can lead to hospitalisation, long-term health issues, or even death. By getting the pneumococcal vaccine, you reduce your risk of contracting pneumonia and other related infections, such as meningitis and sepsis. The vaccine offers long-term immunity and also helps protect others in the community by reducing the spread of the bacteria.
Who is Eligible?
The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for:
- People aged 65 and older
- Individuals with weakened immune systems (due to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory issues)
What are the side effects?
The vaccine is generally safe, with mild side effects like soreness at the injection site or a mild fever, which typically pass quickly. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh these minor inconveniences.
Book Your Appointment Today
To book your Pneumonia vaccine, simply contact us at the GP surgery on 0208 630 1036. We will provide you with all the necessary details and schedule your vaccination at a convenient time. Don’t wait—protect yourself and your loved ones this winter by getting vaccinated. If you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the GP surgery or visit https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/pneumococcal-vaccine
RSV Vaccine
Protect Yourself Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) with the New Vaccine
As we approach the colder months, it’s important to protect ourselves from seasonal illnesses. This year, there is a new vaccine available to help guard against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). RSV can be particularly dangerous for certain groups, so getting vaccinated is a key step in safeguarding your health.
What is RSV?
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. While most people recover within a week or two, RSV can be serious, especially for infants, older adults, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions. In some cases, it can lead to severe respiratory issues such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis, which may require hospitalization.
Who Should Get the RSV Vaccine?
The new RSV vaccine is especially recommended for:
- Adults aged 75 and older
- Individuals with chronic health conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or weakened immune systems
- Pregnant women (over 28 weeks) to help protect their newborns from RSV
Benefits of the RSV Vaccine
Getting vaccinated offers several key benefits:
- Protection Against Severe Illness: The vaccine reduces the risk of severe complications from RSV, such as pneumonia and hospitalization.
- Protection for Newborns: Pregnant women who get vaccinated help protect their babies from RSV during the early months of life.
- Community Immunity: By getting vaccinated, you help protect vulnerable members of our community, including infants and older adults.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you’re protected against a serious respiratory virus can bring peace of mind, especially during the winter months.
What are the side effects?
As with any vaccine, there are potential side effects, but they are generally mild and temporary. Common side effects include:
- Soreness at the injection site
- Fatigue
- Mild fever
- Headache
These side effects typically resolve within a few days. If you have any concerns, your GP can provide more detailed information.
Book Your Appointment Today
To book your RSV vaccine, simply contact us at the GP surgery on 0208 630 1036. We will provide you with all the necessary details and schedule your vaccination at a convenient time. Don’t wait—protect yourself and your loved ones this winter by getting vaccinated.
If you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at the GP surgery 0208 630 1036 or visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv/
Stay safe, stay healthy, and let’s look after one another this winter!
Flu Vaccine
Protect Yourself from Flu: Get the Flu Vaccine
As the colder months approach, it is more important than ever to think about your health and the health of your loved ones. One of the most effective ways to protect yourself from the flu this winter is by getting the flu vaccine. Here is why it matters, what you need to know, and how you can book your appointment.
Why Is the Flu Vaccine Important?
The flu is more than just a bad cold. It can lead to severe complications, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and those with underlying health conditions. By getting vaccinated, you:
- Reduce Your Risk: The flu vaccine significantly lowers your chances of catching the flu.
- Protect Others: When you are vaccinated, you help stop the spread of the flu to those who are more vulnerable.
- Avoid Serious Complications: The vaccine can prevent hospitalisations and even save lives, particularly in those at higher risk.
What are the side effects?
Like any medication, the flu vaccine can cause side effects, but they are generally mild and short-lived. The most common side effects include:
- Soreness at the injection site
- Mild fever
- Fatigue
These side effects usually last a day or two and are far outweighed by the benefits of being protected against the flu.
Who Is Eligible?
The flu vaccine is available free of charge to those most at risk. This includes:
- Adults aged 65 and over
- Pregnant women
- People with certain long-term health conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes)
- Children aged 2 and 3 years – at the GP practice
- School-aged children up to Year 11 – at school
- Frontline health and social care workers
If you are eligible, we strongly encourage you to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Book Your Appointment Today
To book your Flu vaccine, simply contact us at the GP surgery on 0208 630 1036. We will provide you with all the necessary details and schedule your vaccination at a convenient time. Don’t wait—protect yourself and your loved ones this winter by getting vaccinated.
If you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the GP surgery 0208 630 1036 or visit https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/
Stay safe, stay healthy, and let’s look after one another this winter!
Shingles
Protect Yourself Against Shingles: Why You Should Get Vaccinated
Shingles is a painful condition that can affect anyone who has had chickenpox, but did you know there is a vaccine that can help protect you? As your local GP, we are here to help you understand the importance of getting the shingles vaccine and how it can benefit your health. It is recommended for all adults turning to 65, those aged 70 to 79 and those age 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system. You will be offered 2 doses of the vaccine. These are given between 6-12 months apart.
What Is Shingles?
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. It often starts with tingling or pain on one side of your body, followed by a rash that can turn into painful blisters. Shingles can last for weeks and, in some cases, lead to complications like long-term nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia), vision problems, or even hearing loss.
There are 2 types of shingles vaccine given in the UK.
- Zostavax vaccine -given as 1 dose
- Shingrix vaccine – given as 2 doses
Why should you get vaccinated
The shingles vaccine is your best defence against this painful condition. Here’s why you should consider getting vaccinated:
- Reduces Risk: The vaccine significantly lowers your chances of developing shingles and its complications.
- Less Severe Symptoms: If you do get shingles after vaccination, the symptoms are often milder and do not last as long.
- Peace of Mind: Protecting yourself means you will not have to worry as much about the discomfort and potential long-term effects of shingles possible.
Who Is Eligible?
The shingles vaccine is recommended for:
- All adults turning to 65
- Those aged 70 to 79
- Those age 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system.
If you are within this age group and if you might be eligible and it is highly recommended that you get vaccinated to protect yourself.
What Are the Side Effects?
As with any vaccine, there can be side effects, but they are generally mild and short-lived. The most common side effects include:
- Redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site
- Mild fever
- Fatigue or headache
Serious side effects are very rare, and the benefits of getting vaccinated far outweigh the risks.
Who cannot have the vaccine?
Most people who are eligible for the shingles vaccine can have it.
You only cannot have the vaccine if you have had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine, or an ingredient in the vaccine.
One of the shingles vaccines (called Zostavax) contains a weakened version of the virus that causes shingles. This vaccine is not suitable if you have a severely weakened immune system so you’ll be given a different one (called Shingrix) instead.
Book your appointment Today
To book your Shingles vaccine, simply contact us at the GP surgery on 0208 630 1036. We will provide you with all the necessary details and schedule your vaccination at a convenient time.
If you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at the GP surgery or visit
httphttps://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/shingles-vaccine/ s://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/shingles-vaccine/
Don’t wait—protect yourself and your loved ones this winter by getting vaccinated.