The big drive thru for flu vaccinations

A flu drive thru has opened in Hyde as local GP practices team up to provide flu vaccinations differently this year.

The Hyde GP practices are staging the flu vaccination drive-thru at Active Hyde (Hyde Leisure Centre) on Walker Lane in the town.

Local GP Practice manager Lynne Wilkinson, from the Healthy Hyde Team, explained: “We are in an unprecedented situation this year in that we will not only have flu and other winter illnesses circulating, but Covid 19 as well.

“So for that reason we do not want lots of patients waiting in hot, stuffy GP waiting rooms for a vaccination, so the drive thru idea was devised to prevent that happening. 

“It’s outside, you stay in your car and the nurse will vaccinate you through the window of your car, reducing the risk of contamination of covid or other illnesses.”

The added drive to encourage people to have their flu vaccinations this year is aimed at relieving pressure on the NHS while the coronavirus continues to circulate.

“For some people getting flu and complications from flu can be very severe, and people do die from flu every year, so that does have an impact on NHS services and we don’t want the double impact of flu and coronavirus this year if we can possibly avoid it,” said Lynne.

She went on to explain: “Flu is a virus that can leave people feeling unwell especially in the winter months. But for some, particularly over 65s, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes or with suppressed immune systems, they can suffer complications with flu which can be very serious.

“So for those in vulnerable groups GPs will recommend people to have the flu vaccination, but particularly this year because Covid is circulating at the same time.”

Carers - those caring for the elderly and vulnerable - and those working in care homes are also eligible and should check with their GPs.

For the first time household members of those who were shielding because of the pandemic are also eligible for the flu jab - so again people are advised to contact their GPs for further information.

Each year the main four or five most virulent flu strains are identified and a flu vaccine produced to protect people from those viruses.

“The flu jab is not a live virus, so you cannot catch flu from having the vaccination,” added Lynne.

This year because demand is expected to be especially high for the flu jab people are being asked to contact their GPs - and many patients may have already been contacted anyway online or by post.

People can then book their vaccination at the drive thru or at a local pharmacy - but everyone will need a pre-booked appointment for their jab - you can not just go along without one. 

The drive thru itself will operate each weekday, Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm and will  continue in operation until the end of November - but will be extended if necessary.

Slots on Tuesdays and Fridays could be available from 7.30am.

Volunteers from the Healthy Hyde team will also be on hand to guide drivers in and out of the drive thru.

Anyone who can help with the marshalling duties at the drive thru is also encouraged to get in touch - just contact one of the participating GPs first to say you would like to volunteer. 

If you don’t have a car and cannot attend the flu drive-thru you can still book to have your vaccination at a local pharmacy or call your GP practice.

The practices taking part are Awburn House, The Brook, Clarendon Medical, Donneybrook, Dukinfield Medical Practice, Hattersley, Haughton Thornley medical centres and The Smithy.

For more information visit, hyde.nhsvaccinations.co.uk. 

You can hear more about this on the Reporter Show on Thursday evening (24 September) from 7pm to 9pm on Tameside Radio 103.6FM.