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

Dr J Lidder - Clinical Lead

With over ten years clinical experience, Dr Lidder brings to Galen Health the medical and clinical input that Galen Health service strives to reach and maintain to the highest standards. He ensures all medical protocols and pathways have clinical relevance and also governance targets are maintained.

He began his medical path graduating from The Royal Free and University College London Medical School. His medical learning curve took him throughout London's teaching hospitals, gaining medical experience ranging from working in general medicine to surgery specialities. Having worked under the supervision of one of London's leading gastroenterologists, he gained medical knowledge and clinical skills that puts him in the era of evidence based medicine. His surgical experience ranges from Ear, Nose and Throat surgery to gastric cancer surgery whilst working with a world renowned general surgeon.

He has had the rare opportunity to work at the world famous Priory Roehampton Hospital where his experience in mood disorders and substance misuse put him in a good clinical position to bring Galen Health into the world of medicine which is often overlooked in this day and age of medical care.

With Galen Health, Dr Lidder has advised and had a major clinical input into the clinical services of Galen Health, to streamline primary care and preventative healthcare. As the Clinical Lead, Dr Lidder maintains the safe practice for our clients and patients, through the implementation and review of clinical governance processes and audits.

He has a very successful career in primary care medicine, having completed and qualified as a General Practitioner in recent years. This great asset in being close to primary care has enabled him to have a great impact on working pathways and care delivered at Galen Health.

He is a member of the Royal College of General Practitioners, The Medical Defence Union, General Medical Council, British Medical Association, Royal Society Of Medicine.

His recent achievements include being nominated for a NHS Champions Award by The Kings Fund and Evening Standard.