How much does the flu vaccine cost?
The vaccine for the annual flu cover is £35 per injection, but if you call and book your appointment before 30th September 2011, and pay in full by debit or credit card, we are offering a 10% discount.
How old do you have to be to receive the vaccine?
Anyone from 6 months old can receive the flu vaccine.
Where is the vaccine given?
Usually in the arm you don’t write with, or in children aged less than 1yr, the thigh.
Who administers the vaccine?
Dr Lewis or Dr Skilbeck.
Are there any side effects?
The flu vaccine is a well-tolerated vaccine. Some people experience a mildly sore arm or fever within a couple of days. THIS IS NOT THE FLU!
What happens if I have a reaction?
SurreyGP have emergency equipment to deal with rare serious reactions. You can telephone for advice if you have any concerns following your vaccination.
How often is the vaccine given?
The flu virus changes every year so a new vaccine is produced annually. Click here for this year’s strains.
What time of year are the vaccines given?
Flu vaccination commences around mid-September. Peak flu season is around Christmas time.
How many vaccines do you need?
Children aged 12 and under need two vaccines given 4-6 weeks apart if they have not previously received a flu vaccine. In subsequent years only one is required.
Adults and children aged 13 and above only require one.
Is this the Swine Flu vaccine?
The Winter Flu Vaccine contains protection against Swine Flu.
Is there any reason why I shouldn’t receive the vaccine?
Vaccinations should not be given if you have ever had an anaphylactic reaction to hens’ eggs, or are suffering from a fever or acute infection.
My children had one flu jab last year; do they need two now?
No, just one. This is the recent advice from the Health Protection Agency.
How much flu vaccine is injected?
The vaccines come in pre-filled syringes containing 0.5ml of solution. If we are vaccinating a child from 6 to 35 months, we normally use 0.25ml – Nationally, clinical data is very limited, and doses of 0.5ml have been given in this age range without documented adverse effects.
How long does the vaccine take to work?
The body starts to make antibodies immediately, but full cover is achieved approx. 2 to 3 weeks after vaccination.
Which vaccine are you using this year?
This year, as last year, we are using the IMUVAC flu vaccination suitable for everybody over the age of 6 months – manufactured by Abbott Healthcare.
What is in the vaccine apart from the flu strains?
Potassium chloride, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium phosphate dihydrate, sodium chloride, calcium chloride dihydrate, magnesium chloride hexahydrate and water for injections.
Does the vaccine contain mercury?
No.
I have a very technical question – is there a link to fuller product information?
Yes, follow thislink here to the Abbott Healthcare website – it should take you directly to the Imuvac 2011/12 page.
I am pregnant, can I have the jab?
Yes, you should – it is recommended for pregnant ladies.
I am breastfeeding, can I have the jab?
Yes.
Can I drive after receiving the vaccination?
Yes.
I am having other vaccinations today; can I still receive the flu jab?
Yes – the doctor will put it in the other arm for you but it is perfectly safe to receive at the same time as other jabs.
How do you store your vaccines?
SurreyGP, as a reputable clinic, follows laid down vaccine storage guidelines for all of our vaccinations. This includes the use of three on-site pharmaceutical refrigeration units which are monitored daily to ensure that our vaccines are kept between +2 to +8 degrees centigrade. Our products also arrive to us via a documented cold chain supply. It is permissible to allow flu jabs to come to room temperature before administering the vaccine.
