The Flu is not a severe cold. It’s clever, it continually mutates, so this year’s virus may be difference from last year’s. Annually, this vaccination is offered to anyone felt to be particularly at risk from this disease. An influenza vaccination is particularly recommended for the over 65s; patients with heart, lung or kidney disease, diabetes and residents of nursing and rest homes.
Depending on availability of vaccines, we normally carry out this programme in October, in preparation for the winter. Please contact the reception staff in October for details of the vaccination dates and to make an appointment. If you are unable to attend the surgery, a home visit will be arranged to undertake this facility. Your Doctor may also advise you to have a ‘flu jab if you are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person.
Run by Practice Nurses to offer advice on vaccines and medicines needed for travelling. Please make an appointment at least eight weeks (longer for backpackers) in advance of your holiday to ensure adequate cover. A charge will be made for certain immunisations and vaccinations which are not covered by the NHS. Please advise the receptionist of your intended destination when booking this appointment. In order for the Nurse to prepare for your appointment please complete the following Travel Questionnaire and return it to reception as soon as possible. Travel Vaccination Questionnaire
Where payment for these services is applicable, it will be required up front or, in some cases in advance, eg for courses of travel vaccinations.
PLEASE NOTE THAT PAYMENT WILL BE REQUIRED WHEN BOOKING YOUR APPOINTMENT
Yellow Fever Vaccinations
Elsenham Surgery is an authorised Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre and so are able to offer this vaccine.
Child Development and Immunisation Clinic
Please contact Reception to book your child development check and immunisation appointments.
These clinics are run by our Health Visitor, and Dr Jabbar, for child developmental checks and immunisations in conjunction with an experienced Practice Nurse, and allow an opportunity to discuss other problems, eg sleeping, feeding and child health worries with a Doctor or Health Visitor.
We immunise children in line with the national programme please contact Reception for further details.
For up to date advice please refer to NHS Choices:
Important Note: All parents are reminded that when your baby or child needs to have its immunisation, the parents will need to be present or give written permission for their child to receive an immunisation. If a booking is made and the parents are not bringing the child in themselves, written and signed confirmation must accompany the child stating that the parents are happy for this procedure to occur. Otherwise the Surgery is unable to proceed.
Cervical Smears
Women aged 25-49 are offered this test free every 3 years, and every 5 years for women aged 49-65 You should receive a reminder. When you come for the test please bring a urine sample. Private smears are available if you wish to have the test more often. The receptionist will advise you of the charge for this private service.
Everyone with diabetes should be regularly reviewed. This monthly clinic is run by Dr Noshad Khan on a Thursday between 1.30pm and 4.00pm, in conjunction with a Practice Nurse and a Dietician.
To maximise efficiency we request all patients to arrange to have blood tests taken by the Health Care Assistant or Practice Nurse two weeks prior to the appointments so that these are available when you see the Doctor.
For more information on diabetes please visit the following website: