INFLUENZA IMMUNISATION

Prevention of influenza is important and in October and November each year, UK general practices deliver a programme of vaccination against seasonal influenza to at-risk groups. Vaccine is prepared annually from the three strains of the virus thought most likely to be circulating. This year (2014) two quadirvalent (i.e. containing 4 strains) vaccines are available. Vaccination is approximately 70% effective; protection lasts for 1 year. See also Influenza in Infectious diseases

• Only suitably trained healthcare professionals should give vaccinations.

Indications for influenza vaccination Age 65 years or over, and children aged 6 months and over with

• Chronic respiratory disease
• Chronic heart disease
• Chronic kidney disease
• Chronic neurological disease
• Chronic liver disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Immunosuppression
• Asplenia or splenic dysfunction
• People in long-stay residential care homes
• Carers
• Pregnant women
• Healthcare professionals in direct contact with patients/service users

Children Healthy children aged 2, 3 or four years old, NOT in a clinical risk group,  should receive a single dose of live attenuated influenza vaccine.