Prevention- The flu vaccine

Much of the illness and death caused by the influenza virus can be prevented by the annual influenza vaccination. Many individuals still do not have the knowledge or understand the importance or how to get the vaccine and also because at times, stocks can run out of the vaccine. There have been many miss-understandings of the vaccine in the public eye. The vaccine is given each year by an injection. People who are at high risk of getting the influenza virus are strongly recommended to get annual vaccination. These groups of people include:

· Aged over 65

· Chronic respiratory disease

· Chronic heart disease

· Chronic kidney disease

· Chronic liver disease

· Diabetes

· Chronic neurological disease

· Immunosuppression illness

High risk groups also include those working in public sector areas or those in contact with a number of different groups of people, for example : health care workers, those living in close proximity to others, gym environments, air conditioned areas or working.

The vaccine needs to be given each year, this is due to the clever fact that the virus changes continually by mutating. Therefore, each year, the vaccine changes according to the most up to date virus that is present. Also, once a person receives the vaccine, the effectiveness of the vaccine, reduces over time in an individual.

The vaccine should be taken around September of each year and it takes approximately 2 weeks for the beneficially effects of the vaccine to develop.

Care Quality Commision Approved and Registered

Galen Health Partners

Our slogan is 'Your Health in Your Hands' for a reason

Think of us as your own affordable private healthcare provider that is focused on 'Prevention' rather than just simply cure. By understanding your health today and knowing where it might be in the future, we can save you money, time and unnecessary worry.

At Galen Health we Ensure our members health not insure it.

Currently in the UK you have two main choices of healthcare, the National Health Service (NHS)or Private Medical Insurance (PMI*), both of which have merits and limitations.

NHS - The NHS is arguably one of the best healthcare systems in the world despite both massive financial and time pressures. Galen Health is not under this type of time or financial pressure and as such is able to follow up all symptoms, fully diagnose and accurately predict your health today, tomorrow and even ten years from now.

*PMI - Looks to identify 'risk' and then prices your policy accordingly, in the hope that annual claims are minimal and in the unlikely event (calculated) of a large claim, the amount and length of time you have been paying your premiumwill easily cover the cost to the company. As many people all too often find, their policy fails to cover more everyday requirements. This is simply expensive 'blanket' cover, 'Just in case'. Ask yourself these questions 'How much do you pay each year? How often do you make claims? Why don't you make claims more often?

Why don't you make claims more often?

The answer to this question is varied. Maybe it is because you will increase next year's premium? Maybe it's because you don't get ill that often? Or maybe it is because your policy does not cover you? Whatever the answer, ask yourself this 'Is this value for money if I'm paying to wait until I get ill; just in case I get ill? Right now I'm fit and healthy so what am I paying for?

If peace of mind to you looks like hoping you don't get ill, simply waiting to get ill, or not worrying if you do get ill, then Galen Health is not for you. If you are aware that the real healthcare expense happens in secondary care once you are ill, and you are aware that much illness can be prevented which will avoid these costs, then wouldn't you prefer to invest into your primary health? If paying for what you actually need and will actually use while proactively addressing your health so as not to get ill but all the while being aware of your own personal risk factors makes sense to you. If you believe prevention is better than cure, then Galen Health is right for you.

Galen Health

Galen Health offers complete comprehensive care without the wait and without the expensive annual premium.

Non Membership

With a comprehensive health screening report from £199, letting you know where your health is today, tomorrow and where it is likely to be in the future - YOU ARE MORE IN CONTROL and have the following options:

· Take your report to your NHS G.P and work with the NHS to optimise your health

· Take your report and refine your PMI policy and save yourself money

· Let Galen Health care for you as and when

· Become a Galen Health Member

At this point, your health is literally in your hands, and what you decide to do is your choice

If you decide to become a Galen Health Member, this is what you can expect:

Membership

A choice of memberships to suit your budget, complete daily access to your own Galen Health doctor in person and on the phone, annual health screens including nutrition and exercise reviews to monitor your health and give you every chance to address any possible health issue early on, no waiting times, access to all medical specialties, discounts of many treatments and procedures should you require them and the opportunity to bespoke build your own personal healthcare packages for you and your family. See Membership tab for full details.