As providers of support to people with learning disabilities you are often best placed to ensure that health interventions take place. Learning From Lives and Deaths of People with a learning Disability and Autistic People (LeDeR) most recent report states that the most common cause of *avoidable death is influenza and pneumonia. The flu vaccine can be a life saver.
If you haven’t booked an appointment yet, the flu vaccine is available now.
The vaccine is available from
- GP
- Local pharmacy,
- Schools for children and young people with Special Educational Needs
- Hospitals – if someone you support is in hospital ask the staff if they can vaccinate during the inpatient stay – many will do this.
We are encouraging all providers to support those they work with to take up the flu vaccine as soon as possible.
Needle phobia - If you have someone who is needle phobic and, despite reasonable adjustments unable to tolerate, please ask for the Nasal Spray.
Staff - don’t forget it is available to you as support staff/carers and you can get it through your employer or at your local pharmacy. You can use link below to book.
If you are a support worker/carer with a 2- or 3-year-old at home, they are also eligible, as are your school age children up until year 11 – the more people vaccinated the less it is passed around – reduced transmission reduces flu virus circulation.
Decision making - don’t let issues about decision making get in the way of health – follow the good practice in place you have for other decisions where capacity to consent may be uncertain. The NHS offers straightforward information about decision making Mental Capacity Act – Social care and support guide – NHS
Information for those you support – here is a link to a short video and easy read leaflet Flu vaccination: easy-read flu vaccination resources – GOV.UK (once opened, scroll down and you’ll see a leaflet and a short video you can show those you support).
Covid Vaccination – if someone you support has Downs syndrome, they will be eligible for the Covid vaccine, and it can be booked at the same time as flu vaccine. People with learning disabilities who also have conditions that cause weakened immune system may also be eligible – please ask the GP or pharmacist when you book or use the pharmacy booking below.
Pneumococcal Vaccination – can help protect against pneumonia – those you support may already have had this at the GP practice. It’s usually one dose in a lifetime. Recommended for babies and over 65’s and for those who may get seriously ill from pneumococcal infections. Pneumococcus is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia. Ask the GP if unsure.
Further information and some useful links
Book a Flu Vaccine (and Covid if eligible) at a local pharmacy here https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-flu-vaccination/
All about NHS Flu Vaccine Flu vaccine – NHS main page.
Safest way to protect Yourself Why vaccination is important and the safest way to protect yourself – NHS
Latest Report *Learning from Lives and Deaths – people with a learning disability and autistic people (LeDeR) | King’s College London