Flu Vaccinations

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The flu virus typically peaks around this time of year, the best way to help protect yourself and others from catching and spreading flu is to have the flu jab every year and protect yourself for the duration of that year’s flu season. Getting vaccinated is important each year and this year more than ever people are urged to have the vaccine in order to protect themselves, and the NHS, this winter however we’re asking for your patience.
 
Due to the pandemic, flu vaccination clinics and confirmation of eligibility criteria may be slightly different this year and with this in mind the logistics of our Clinics are still being finalised (Likely to be Early October) and updated information will posted on our webpages when details are confirmed by the government and our CCG. 
 
What we do know is that it looks certain that flu vaccines will be released in batches, according to both availability and also the need to prioritise those most at risk. The groups being offered the flu vaccine are:
·         Children aged between 2 and 10 years old will be offered the nasal spray vaccination.

  • Pregnant women
  • Those aged 65 or over
  • Those aged under 65 with long-term conditions
  • Carers
  • Shielded patients and those in the same household aged 18 or over
    Those patient who are eligible will be receiving an invite from the practice in the next week or so and our GPs are asking you book a place on one of our forthcoming flu clinics as soon as they are advertised. Alternatively, if you are housebound, please speak to one of the reception team about your options. We understand that demand will be high however we ask for your patience and wait for an invite before requesting to be booked onto a clinic.
     
    You will also have heard about the possibility that, if there is an available supply, 50 – 64 year olds might also be invited to have a flu jab in November or December. For those patients in this category we again ask you to be patient until the Government and our CCG have released more information about this cohort.
     
    Finally people who are not eligible for the free NHS vaccination will be able to buy a vaccination from community pharmacies.
     
    Kind Regards,
    Nick Cameron
    Practice Manger