Free flu jab for patients with learning disabilities

Date: 10 October 2018

GP

People who have a learning disability and are on their GP learning disability register are entitled to a free NHS flu vaccination.

So, GPs are urging Oxfordshire people with learning disabilities to make sure they are on their doctor’s register.

By being on the register will also allow GP practices to assess what extra support they may need to access services. They will also be entitled to a comprehensive annual health check if they are over the age of 14.

Dr David Chapman, GP Lead at Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said:  “People with a learning disability in Oxfordshire do not always know when they are ill or need to see a doctor so the annual health check is really important. In addition, you are much more likely to be called for a check if you are on your GP register.”

David said: “Being on the register also means you get extra support such as being provided with easy read information, longer appointments and help to make decisions. Patients on the register will be offered a free NHS flu vaccination to protect them against complications of the condition this winter.”

Anyone of any age, and any level of disability can join the register, even if they live independently and have little or no support.  It is particularly helpful for children to join it at a young age, so that adjustments and support are put in place before they transition into adult services.

David added: “All you need to do is to make an appointment with your GP to see if you should be on the register if you think you are not already on it. Even if the person with learning disabilities receives social care support, they may have been missed off so it’s important to check.”

In Oxfordshire, flu vaccination clinics are being held in GP practices over the next few months and the following patients are being invited to attend for a free vaccine:
• People aged 65 years and over
• Patients aged from six months to 65 years in clinical ‘at risk’ groups
• Pregnant women
• All children aged two to nine (but not 10 years or older) on 31 August 2018 – they will be given a nasal spray vaccine
• People in long-stay residential care homes and carers

For more information on the NHS flu vaccine visit www.nhs.uk or https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/

  • Summary:

    Get the flu jab by registering with your GP.

  • Transformation:
  • Date:
    10 October 2018