Any patients who wish to book a vaccine appointment with us in Ballyhaunis should contact us through the website, by email or by phone.

How the flu vaccine works

The vaccine works by protecting against 4 strains of the flu virus. These are the most likely to be circulating this flu season.

Anyone who needs a vaccine should get a new one every autumn. Strains of flu change over time and that is why is it also known as seasonal flu.

The vaccine works by helping your immune system to produce antibodies. If you have had the vaccine and you come into contact with the flu virus, the vaccine can stop you from getting sick.

The vaccine starts to work within 2 weeks.

As the antibodies that protect you decline over time, this is another reason why you need to get a fresh dose of the vaccine every year.

It should be noted that the flu vaccine does not protect against Covid-19.  It is safe to get both the Covid-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine separately.

Who should get the flu vaccine?

Some people are more at risk of complications if they catch the flu.

To help those most at risk, the vaccine is available for free to the following groups:

• If you are 65 years of age or over
• If you are pregnant
• Children aged 2 to 17
• Those with long term health conditions. This includes chronic heart disease, chronic live disease, chronic respiratory disease, cystic fibrosis, moderate or severe asthma and diabetes.
• Those who are morbidly obese (ie have a body mass index (BMI) over 40)
• Those who have immunosuppression.
• Children on long term aspirin therapy.
• Those with Down syndrome.
• Those who living in a nursing home or long term care facility.
• Household contacts or carers of those with underlying chronic conditions or Down syndrome.
• Those who work in healthcare.
• People who are in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl.

Further information on the flu vaccine is available from the HSE here>>>

How do I make an appointment at Hazelhill Family Practice?

To book your flu vaccination consultation at Hazelhill Family Practice click here.

You can also call the Hazelhill Family Practice on 094 9630091/ 094 9632170.

Hazelhill Family Practice is a GP/ Doctor practice based in Ballyhaunis.

The post Flu vaccine clinics start 11 October appeared first on Hazelhill Family Practice.

One of the key issues in dealing with alcohol consumption is that many of the people who make this effort can find it difficult to stay committed and slip back into bad habits.

HSE Advice

This is also an issue that the HSE has recently been highlighting.

As Marion Rackard, Project Manager for the HSE Alcohol Programme outlines, it would be helpful if people kept in mind what motivates them to change their drinking practices, “You might want to consider certain questions like:

• How do I see myself as a drinker?
• How do others see me?
• Have I asked them?”

Research by the HSE Alcohol Programme shows that a substantial percentage of people consider low moods as a symptom of drinking alcohol. Many state that they regret something they said or did as a result of uncontrolled drinking. Further, research shows that 50% of people in Ireland who indulge in drinking do so in a way that could easily harm them.

If you are think you may need to cut down and reduce your alcohol intake, using the Ask About Alcohol Self Assessment Tool to see what it says about your drinking habits, is a good place to start.

It is also very important to have a support system with family and friends who encourage you to cut down on alcohol.

Steps to reducing your alcohol intake

Altering your relationship with alcohol may be something someone wants to do but isn’t sure how to. Hazelhill Family Practice recommends following these steps as set out by the HSE.

1. Make a plan: By writing down your top 5 reasons for changing your drinking habits and keeping the list with you, you’ll be able to keep yourself motivated when you have a moment of weakness.
2. Set a goal: Be clear about whether you’d like to drink less, or stop completely for family, health or financial reasons.
3. Be open to support: In case of an emergency, call the HSE’s Alcohol and Drugs Helpline on 1800 459 459 anytime between Monday to Friday 9.30 am and 5.30 pm.
4. Learn from the past: It is not unusual for people to have unsuccessfully tried to change their drinking patterns in the past. If that is the case, be sure to think about it carefully and see what can be done differently this time around.
5. Feel good about what you do: Be sure to reward yourself for sticking to the plan by doing things you enjoy. This could be along the lines of meeting a friend or pursuing a hobby.
6. Prepare for triggers: There may be moments when you feel worked up or stressed that may trigger an urge to drink. It is best to think ahead in such cases by planning a set routine in case it becomes overpowering.

One in 12 unable to fulfil their duties

With 8% of drinkers failing to do what is normally expected of them within the previous year (according to the Department of Health 2018 Survey of Ireland), it is vital that these people take steps to reduce their alcohol intake and learn when to say ‘NO’ to alcohol. Remember, you don’t have to give a reason why you’re not drinking or cutting back either.

Further alcohol related supports and services are available, call the Alcohol and Drugs Helpline on 1800 459 459 or click on askaboutalcohol.ie.

Hazelhill Family Practice is also happy to provide advice on how to reduce your alcohol intake.

Click here to make an appointment>>>

The post Reducing your alcohol intake appeared first on Hazelhill Family Practice.