COLD & FLU
AS UPTAKE OF THE FLU VACCINATION PLUMMETS, SP LOOKS AT HOW YOU – AS A PHARMACIST - CAN BOTH ENCOURAGE PATIENTS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS FREE SERVICE AND CAN ALSO DETER PATIENTS FROM ASKING FOR ANTIBIOTICS…
COUGHS, COLDS AND FLU: SUPPORTING YOUR PATIENTS
D
espite the fact that around two million people in Scotland are eligible for the
government’s free flu vaccination, recent statistics have shown that uptake rates of the jab – particularly among the ‘at risk’ cohort, fell to 44.9 per cent last year.
The ‘at risk’ group currently includes the over-65s, children and pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and respiratory problems.
This fall in uptake has occurred despite the fact that patients throughout the UK have been warned about the imminent arrival of the ‘Aussie flu’ strain, which has already affected more than 70,000 people in Australia and has led to huge numbers going to A & E for treatment.
The government’s target for uptake 28 - SCOTTISH PHARMACIST
across all of the ‘at risk’ groups is 75 per cent, but while this figure stood at a reasonable 73 per cent in 2016/17 and 74.5 per cent 2015/16, only 44.9 per cent of the under-65 ‘at risk’ group took up the offer of vaccination.
Even more worryingly, while there was an increase in the number of children being vaccinated, the number of pregnant women who received the jab also fell.
So, how do you go about
encouraging your patients to get the flu vaccination? Well, as with any health issue, education is of prime importance. Explaining to patients why the vaccination is of particular relevance to them will provide them with the know-how and will let them clearly see why the vaccination is not only of benefit, but could ultimately save their lives.
THE OVER-65S
Why they should get it Every year in Scotland, around two thirds of people, who get severe flue and need intensive care treatment have a health condition such as chronic lung or heart disease. In fact, practically any adult with an existing health condition is at increased risk of flu-related complications, but the over-65s are particularly at risk. The vaccination is the safest and most effective means of helping them protect themselves against the flu.
PREGNANT WOMEN
Why they should get it The fact that the Royal College of Midwives and Scotland’s Chief Medical and Chief Nursing Officers all recommend that pregnant women should have the flu vaccine should be enough of an incentive, but many
pregnant women still have concerns that the vaccine will give them the flu and may harm their baby. It’s therefore vital to reassure pregnant patients – regardless of whether this is their first baby or not – that they are at increased risk of flu-related complications and may require hospitalisation. They therefore require extra protection.
Explain to them that not only does the vaccine not contain live viruses – and therefore can’t give them the flu – but that it’s also perfectly safe for their baby.
CHILDREN
Why they should get it At present, the flu vaccine is offered to all children in Scotland aged between two and five years of age and to all primary school children.
As with the other ‘at risk’ groups, >
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