Measles outbreak

Measles is an extremely infectious virus that can cause pneumonia, encephalitis and, sometimes, death. Cases in Europe have jumped by 45 times and it is only a matter of time until a similar outbreak happens in Ireland. The cause of the outbreak is reduced uptake of MMR vaccine.

Measles vaccination is safe and effective and is available free of charge to all children under the national immunisation program. If you have previously decided not to vaccinate you can avail of a catch-up vaccination now, even as an adult.

Link to article

Expansion of the medical card scheme

The HSE have increased the number of people who are entitled to doctor visit and medical cards by increasing the income thresholds. However, they are not granted automatically and, if eligible, to avail of this you must complete an application. Further information on the relevant income levels to qualify can be found on this link

Flu vaccine and COVID19 boosters

Free Flu vaccine and COVID boosters can be booked on the following link: https://calendly.com/drumkeeranhealthcentre/vaccine

COVID19:

A booster dose will be offered in autumn if you are:

age 50 and older

age 5 or older with a weak immune system

age 5 to 49 with a condition that puts you at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19

a healthcare worker

It must be at least three months since you have either had COVID itself or a COVID booster vaccine.

FLU:

You can get a free flu vaccine if you are:

age 65 and older

age 2 to 12

a healthcare worker

pregnant

living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility

in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl

someone with a health condition that puts you at higher risk of flu (age 6 months and older)

living with someone who has a health condition that puts them at higher risk of flu

a carer for someone who has a health condition that puts them at higher risk of flu

Under 8 free GP visit card

All children under eight years of age are now entitled to a free GP visit card. For children under six who already have the card, this will automatically be extended until the age of eight. For children age six and seven, they can now be registered for this entitlement on the following link: https://www.sspcrs.ie/portal/free-gp-care-web/pub

Bereaved Children's Awareness Week November 14th-18th

It can be difficult to know how to support children who have been bereaved. Their grief is as valid as that of adults, but knowing how to approach the topic can be a real challenge.

November 14th to 18th is National Bereaved Children’s Awareness Week. The Irish Childhood Bereavement Network have a number of events running this week. Their website is also an excellent resource for those who would like to support bereaved children.

https://www.childhoodbereavement.ie/

COVID19 Booster vaccine

The Pfizer COVID19 Booster vaccine is available in Drumkeeran. All those over 65, as well as patients under 65 with a compromised immune system, can avail of an mRNA vaccine free of charge. It must be at least 4 months since your previous vaccine dose and / or at least 4 months since contracting COVID19. Booking can be made on the this link.

If you have possible symptoms of COVID19, please contact the clinic by phone on 0719648043 rather than attending in person. You will be contacted initially by phone by one of the medical staff.

Silver Cloud online CBT

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is the ideal treatment for many people with mild to moderate depression and / or anxiety. The barrier that can sometimes be faced is long waiting lists to access treatment.

The HSE now provides free access to online CBT via the Silver Cloud website. The service is free of charge but does require a referral from a GP or other relevant professional. https://www.silvercloudhealth.com/uk

If this is something that would be of interest to you, feel free to make an appointment at the clinic to discuss your situation.

Extended nursing service in Drumkeeran

We are pleased to announce that, in addition to Nurse Mairead Crawford, we now also have Nurse Evonne McMahon as part of the team. Evonne has extensive experience in GP practice nursing and is a welcome addition to the clinic.

Both nurses are available for consultation. Their services include chronic disease management, health promotion, phlebotomy, vaccinations, cervical smears, dressings and more.

An appointment can be made by calling 0719648043.

COVID19 Booster vaccine

The Pfizer COVID19 Booster vaccine is available in Drumkeeran. It is available to all those over 50 or those of any age over 12 who have a significant underlying medical condition (such as diabetes, COPD, obesity, chronic kidney disease etc). The vaccine is free of charge. It must be at least five months since your previous vaccine dose. https://calendly.com/drumk.../pfizer_covid19_booster_vaccine

Flu Vaccine

Upcoming Flu vaccine clinics - register on the following links:

For those aged over 65:

https://calendly.com/drumkeeran.../influenza-vaccine-over-65

The vaccine is recommended for all persons aged over 65.

For those aged 18-64 with an underlying condition or who are otherwise at increased risk:

https://calendly.com/.../influenza-vaccine-for-those-aged...

Childhood flu vaccines to follow at a later date.

The following HSE page gives more information about the flu vaccine and who is considered to be at increased risk:

https://www.hse.ie/.../flu-vaccination/about-the-vaccine/