The flu virus kills thousands during an average year.
The vaccine is the best protection.
Help us help you protect against flu.
Flu is a serious condition that kills thousands and hospitalises thousands more in England each year. The flu vaccination is the best protection for you and those around you which is why it is offered for free for those most at risk. Adults at high risk from flu are also most at risk from COVID-19 and the free vaccine is more important than ever, to help protect the nation from a double threat this winter. That’s why this year, the free flu vaccine is being offered to a record number of 30 million people to help protect as many as possible from flu and ease pressure on the NHS and urgent care services.
Visit nhs.uk/fluvaccine for more information.
Who is eligible for the free flu vaccination?
This year the flu vaccine is being offered free on the NHS to:
- adults 65 and over (including anyone who will be 65 by the 31st March 2021)
- people with certain medical conditions (including children in at-risk groups from 6 months of age)
- pregnant women
- Carers – including people living with someone who’s at high risk from coronavirus (on the NHS shielded patient list)
- frontline health or social care workers
- children aged 2 and 3 on 31 August 2020
- children in primary school (Note: these vaccines are available via the school ONLY)
- children in year 7 (secondary school) (Note: these vaccines are available via the school ONLY)
How will the vaccination programme work at the practice?
This year we have to factor in social distancing and Covid-safe procedures into our flu vaccination programme so ALL patients MUST pre-book an appointment slot in advance.
How to book:
If you are eligible (see information above):
- To book your flu vaccination please telephone 01706 811 106 between 08:00 and 18:30 Monday to Friday.
If you are aged 50-64:
- If you do not have a long term condition, you shall only become eligible later in the season. We will text you when further details are announced, so please let us know if you recently changed your mobile number.
Where can I have my flu vaccination?
Appointments for the vaccination will be held at the practice and can be booked on the number above. If you attending a vaccination appointment please note that:
- Anyone arriving at the surgery for the clinic should be appropriately dressed to enable an efficient service and easy access to their arm. All patients should please bring their own a face covering or mask with them.
- If you are able to you will be asked to stand whilst the vaccination is given. Only flu vaccinations will be given in these clinics.
- Please do not arrive early for your appointment.
Home visits are available – for medically housebound patients only.
We shall continue to offer essential home visits for very frail patients to have their flu vaccinations at home and for those living in care homes.
Home visit slots are very limited and so are strictly reserved only for those who physically couldn’t get into a car to attend an appointment with help from a friend, family or a taxi.
What about children?
We shall keep a very limited number of flu appointments at our surgery which will be reserved for at-risk children.
If your child is eligible to have a vaccination at school, but not otherwise in another at risk group, they should have their vaccine at school, not at the Doctors surgery.
Can I decline a flu vaccination?
Yes you can. If you are in one of the eligible groups but do not want a flu vaccination please contact the surgery on 01706 811 106 between 08:00 and 18:30 Monday to Friday.