Flu Vaccinations
At our surgery, we prioritise the health and well-being of our patients, which is why we strongly encourage all eligible individuals to take advantage of this opportunity and get their flu vaccine.
Eligibility For 24-25 Flu Season
Eligibility for flu vaccination is based on the advice and recommendations of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
From 1 September 2024:
- pregnant women
- all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
- primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
- secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
- all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years
From October 2024, exact start date to be confirmed by NHS England in due course:
- those aged 65 years and over
- those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book, Influenza Chapter 19)
- those in long-stay residential care homes
- carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants
The school nursing team is committed to ensuring the well-being of primary school-aged children by offering flu vaccines. This vaccination will be provided by them to all children within this age group, including those who are home educated. To ensure accessibility and convenience for parents and guardians, the school nursing team will organise multiple clinics, including catch-up clinics for children who are unable to attend the initial round. These clinics will provide an opportunity for children to receive the flu vaccine at their respective schools. Should parents or guardians have any queries or concerns regarding the flu vaccine, they are encouraged to reach out directly to their child’s school or the school nursing team.
Important Notice: It is crucial to note that unlike previous years, individuals aged 50-64 who are not classified as being in a clinical risk group will not be eligible for a free flu vaccine. We understand that this may come as a disappointment to those in this age bracket who have previously qualified for a free flu vaccination. The decision is based on expert medical advice and aims to ensure that the limited vaccine supply is directed to those who need it most. We recognise that prevention is essential in the fight against influenza, and we strongly encourage all individuals to seek alternative options for flu vaccination. Private healthcare providers, pharmacies, and some workplaces may offer flu vaccines for purchase, providing individuals who do not meet the criteria an opportunity to protect themselves and those around them from flu-related illnesses.
Am I In A Clinical Risk Group?
Those in clinical risk groups are individuals who have certain medical conditions or characteristics that put them at higher risk of experiencing severe illness or complications if they contract a flu-related illness. The following are some examples of conditions or characteristics that make someone fall into a clinical risk group:
- respiratory conditions, such as asthma (needing a steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and bronchitis
- diabetes
- heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
- being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
- chronic kidney disease
- liver disease, such as hepatitis
- some neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsy
- a learning disability
- problems with your spleen like sickle cell disease, or if you’ve had your spleen removed
- a weakened immune system as a result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or taking medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
Will I Be Invited?
Once our appointments become available for booking, all eligible patients will receive invitations.
For adults over 18 years:
You will either receive invitations via text message or a letter if we don’t have your mobile phone number. Due to the large volume of invitations to be sent, they will be staggered throughout August and September. Therefore, it is possible that you may not receive an invitation at the same time as someone else that you know. However, you don’t have to wait for an invitation to book your appointment. If you have confirmed your eligibility using the information above, you can contact us anytime after 1st August 2023, to schedule an appointment.
For children under 18 years:
Parents or guardians will either receive invitations via text message or a letter if we don’t have your mobile phone number. Invitations will be sent week commencing 2nd October. However, you don’t have to wait for an invitation to book your child’s appointment. If you have confirmed your child’s eligibility using the information above, you can contact us anytime after 2nd October 2023, to schedule an appointment.
How Do I Book An Appointment?
Patients who have provided us with their mobile phone number, whether they are adults or children, will receive a text message invitation containing a link to schedule an appointment. This link can only be accessed on smartphones with internet capabilities and will remain valid for a period of 7 days from the time it is sent. By utilising this link, you can book an appointment date and time that suits your schedule without having to contact the surgery directly.
If you are unable to use the link, you receive an invitation by letter, or you are yet to receive your invite, there are alternative ways to book your appointment. One option is to use online services like the NHS App, but this requires prior registration. Please ensure that you book an appointment for the appropriate age group, as failure to do so may result in cancellation of your appointment. Alternatively, you can call the practice directly at 01268 663 140 to book your appointment.
What If I Am Housebound?
Our ability to provide home visits is limited to patients who are unable to leave their homes in any circumstances. If you can leave your house for appointments or events, with the help of a family member, friend, or neighbour, or if you have been to our surgery for another appointment recently, we regret to inform you that we are unable to visit you. In such cases, we kindly request that you schedule an appointment at one of our clinics, where designated disabled parking and drop-off options are available for our frail patients.
If you are a housebound patient registered with us, we will initially reach out to you in September to verify you are on our housebound list. Following confirmation, there is no need to respond to any messages or notifications from NHS England requesting you to schedule an appointment. Rest assured, we are already aware of the need to visit you. Subsequently, in September/October, we will contact you again with the specific date scheduled for your home visit. This will allow you ample time to make arrangements for any required access or family members to be present during the visit.