In order to operate flu vaccination clinics this year we have had to factor in social distancing in our plans, so things are going to be a little different.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
This year the flu vaccine is being offered on the NHS to:
- – adults aged 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 of coronavirus (on the NHS shielded patient list)
- – children aged 2 and 3 on 31st August 2020
- – children in primary school (via school ONLY)
- – children in year 7 (via school ONLY)
- – frontline health or social care workers
If you are unsure whether you are eligible for a free flu jab, please contact the surgery and we will be able to advise you.
All eligible patients should receive an invite either by text, phone or a letter.
Housebound/Care Home Patients
Our close relationship with the Central West Community team means that once again this year they will providing our housebound patients and care home patients with their flu vaccinations. We expect these visits to begin in September/October.
Home visits are very limited and so are strictly reserved only for those who physically couldn’t get into a car or public transport to attend an appointment even with help from a friend, family or a taxi.
I’m aged 50-64 am I also now eligible?
Later in the year the flu vaccine is expected to be available to people aged 50-64 regardless of any pre-existing medical condition.
More information will be available to the 50-64 ‘newly eligible’ patients later in the autumn and until then, appointments are only being opened up to be booked by those patients who were already eligible. We have to prioritise vaccine stock for the most vulnerable patients first.
- If you’re aged 50 to 64 but also in another at-risk group, you should book for your flu vaccine and not wait.
- If you’re aged 50 to 64 and were not already in an at risk group, please ensure the practice has a correct mobile number for you, as details will be sent by text about the availability of additional vaccines later in the season.
What’s changed from previous years?
We are running separate clinics for patients 65+, 64 and under and for children.
All patients attending for their vaccination will have to be ‘ready’ before entering the surgery. This means wearing a face covering, removing jackets and rolling sleeves up. The nurses have to clean down the room after every patient, so this will help to keep our appointments as close to time as possible. We also ask that you only arrive around 5 minutes prior to your appointment time to minimise queuing.
When are the flu appointments available to be booked into?
We’ve recently started inviting those patients who are eligible for a flu vaccine so appointments are available to book now.
Can I have my flu vaccine when I am coming to the surgery for another medical reason?
Yes, but only if you have an appointment with a GP, Nurse, Nurse Practitioner or PCA, you are eligible and only if time and stock allows on the day.
This will only apply to appointments after the following dates:
– From 07th September onwards for the over 65s
– From the beginning of October onwards for the under 65s.
– From mid November (we believe) for the newly eligible 50-64 year olds
