There is currently a lot of flu circulating in Ireland, along with many other viruses. For older people and those with underlying medical issues it can be a serious illness. Vaccination is your best protection. To avail of the free flu vaccine please contact the surgery.
There are certain common conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, frozen shoulder and carpal tunnel syndrome where a local or intra-articular injection can be an effective form of treatment. Typically this involves the use of a steroid and a local anaesthetic. Other possible therapeutic options include hyaluronic acid and PRP.
In Drumkeeran we have doctors who have undergone additional training in this area. If this is something you feel may benefit you please make an appointment to discuss it further. Please note that there may be circumstances where such an injection is not appropriate in a particular case.
Just a reminder, the out of hours service for Drumkeeran Health Centre is provided through Caredoc in Sligo. The number to contact them is 0818365999. Please note that we are not involved in the Nowdoc service in Carrick on Shannon.
Adult and Child flu vaccines and Covid 19 boosters can be booked on the following link: Flu / Covid vaccines
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
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
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
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
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/
Repeat prescriptions for previously prescribed medications can now be ordered online at http://www.drumkeeranhealthcentre.com/repeatprescriptions
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.
The Pfizer COVID19 Booster vaccine is available in Drumkeeran to all those over 16 years of age. It should be at least three months since your previous vaccine. Book on the following link: https://calendly.com/drumk.../pfizer_covid19_booster_vaccine
