Keeping well this Winter

As the seasons change, here at Ilam Medical Centre we begin thinking about Winter and the many viral illnesses that have already started to circulate in our community. With this in mind, we wanted to offer some helpful advice/information to you, our patients.

Viral illness is common. Most people with viral illness can be managed safely at home.
Please refer to our website for more information and advice on how to best care for someone with a viral illness, and when to seek medical advice.

***SATURDAY OVER 65YRS FLU VACCINE CLINIC***

Our annual Saturday morning flu clinic will be held on Saturday 5^th April.
Please note, we are only offering funded vaccines at this clinic (not the non-funded option).

Vaccinations available for over 65 years

There are several vaccinations available, which have been proven to significantly reduce the risk of serious disease/complications from several winter illnesses. We are pleased to be able to offer these vaccinations to our patients, and ask that you consider us when making your choice about where to have your vaccine(s) administered:

• Influenza Vaccination, Funded From 1^st April.
  The influenza vaccine is recommended and funded for people who meet the eligibility criteria, as set by PHARMAC. Please refer to our website for more information, or chat to your nurse/GP at your next appointment.

*As we age, our immune system becomes less effective. The Fluad Quad vaccine contains an adjuvant, designed to promote a stronger immune response and so is potentially more effective for people in this age group.
We have limited stock, so please let reception know when making your booking if you wish to purchase this vaccine and we can put one aside for you, or order one in.
Please also note we will not be offering this vaccine at our over 65yrs Saturday flu clinic.

• Respiratory Syncytial Virus [RSV] Vaccine (Arexvy).
  RSV is a common cause of respiratory illness in infants and young children, as well as older adults.
  Arexvy is currently approved as a single dose to protect against symptomatic lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in adults aged 60 years and older. Unfortunately, it is not funded for anyone in NZ at this stage, and the cost to have this is $357. Due to this cost, we do not carry much stock and the vaccine is ordered in for each patient, as required.
  A single dose of Arexvy is highly effective at preventing serious respiratory illness from RSV for at least two seasons (around 80% effective). Researchers are continuing to study the longevity of protection, to determine optimal revaccination timing.

• Covid-19 vaccination.
  The latest Covid-19 vaccination contains protection against the current strains, and anyone aged 30years and above can have a FREE booster every 6 months. This is particularly important for those who are vulnerable, such as individuals who are aged 65years +. Please refer to our website for more information on this.

Booking

To book in for any of these vaccinations, please call reception or book in to a dedicated vaccine clinic using the patient portal.

If you have any questions after reading our website, please give us a call to speak to one of our friendly nurses or discuss with your GP/nurse at your next appointment.

Warm Regards,

The Ilam Medical Centre team.