A new adventure is in store for the Gruffalo as the popular children’s character is being used by Colton Mill and The Grange Medical Centre as part of their children’s (aged 2 – 3) flu vaccination campaign on Wednesday 23 September from 9.30am to 5pm.
With an expanded flu vaccination campaign announced by the Government this year, including all primary school aged children now being eligible, staff at Colton Mill Medical Centre are using an engaging approach to get children in to be vaccinated.
Andrea Mann, Managing Partner at Colton Mill & The Grange Medical Centre and a Clinical Director for Cross Gates Primary Care Network, said: “We know that a lot of children will have had a tough time during the lockdown period and there will be some children who will still be struggling with everything that’s happening. Which is why this year we want to do the flu vaccinations a little different by having a Gruffalo themed flu clinic for them. Our staff will have Gruffalo themed scrub uniforms to get behind the innovative idea. So, we can protect children, while also bringing a smile to their faces at the same time.
“At the practice we have 330 eligible children for the flu vaccine, and we urge parents and carers to book an appointment to get the child vaccinated. This year it’s more important than ever to have the flu vaccine, so that we can protect each other as well as helping our NHS especially as we could see an increase in coronavirus cases over winter.
“On the day of the vaccines we will have social distancing measures in place, so that we keep our staff and patients safe. We would ask parents and carers who will be bringing children to the flu clinic to book an appointment and wear a face covering, unless you’re exempt from wearing a face covering.
“I want to thank my colleague Julie Beer, who is the Nurse Manager and Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner at Colton Mill & The Grange Medical Centre, she came up with this fantastic Gruffalo idea. Julie has shown great leadership and innovation organising this for the practice and getting the whole team on board with it. Her previous flu vaccine ideas for ages 2 – 3 were also hugely successful. For the adult’s flu vaccine, Julie is leading on a new drive through flu clinic which will be done for Cross Gates Primary Care Network and is involved in city wide discussions around the planning of this as we’re looking to do this at the end of September.”
Julie Beer, Nurse Manager and Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner at Colton Mill & The Grange Medical Centre and Lead Nurse for Cross Gates Primary Care Network, said: “I came up with the Gruffalo idea as I wanted to do something creative for children coming for their flu vaccine, as this will really help ease the nerves of some children who may be feeling anxious. Having the Gruffalo theme will distract them from the actual vaccine, parents or carers can build a story for them when coming for the flu jab. If the child is aged 2 – 3 years and registered at Colton Mill and The Grange Medical Centre, please book in an appointment for Wednesday 23 September.”
Dr Jason Broch, GP and Clinical Chair at NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Having a Gruffalo themed flu clinic for children is a brilliant idea. A lot of flu clinics in GP practices will be running very differently this year because of the coronavirus outbreak. If you or someone you know is eligible for the free flu vaccine this year, I would strongly advise that you have the vaccine.
“This winter is going to be a real challenge for the NHS because we still have coronavirus and the possibility of a second spike, which is why it’s important that you have the flu jab. Your practice will get in touch with you if you’re eligible to have the flu vaccine. Please remind your family and friends to have their vaccine if you’re aware that they are eligible to have one. Or, you can visit the NHS website to see who can receive the free flu vaccine.”
Parents and carers can book a child’s flu vaccine at Colton Mill & The Grange Medical Centre by calling 0113 295 1802 or 0113 295 1800. Please note the child must be registered at the practice in order to have the flu vaccine.
More information on the flu jab is available on the NHS website.
ENDS
Notes to editor
Flu vaccine
Find out who is eligible for the free flu vaccine by visiting the NHS website.
Symptoms of flu
Flu symptoms include:
- A sudden fever – a temperature of 38C or above
- An aching body
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- A dry cough
- A sore throat
- A headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea or tummy pain
- Feeling sick or being sick
For further information, please visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/
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Issued by the communications team at NHS Leeds CCG. You can contact the team on 0113 84 35528 or 0113 84 35470. Alternatively, please email us: leedsccg.comms@nhs.net.