Flu & Covid Jabs Autumn 2024

Posted by: khouseman - Posted on:

Patients will be interested in this years flu vaccination programme and Covid Booster vaccination programme. It is important to have your jabs for your own protection and the protection of the wider community.

NHS England have mandated that the vaccinations will start from 3 October 2024, which is one month later than previous years.

Under this years vaccination programme all patients that qualify for a flu jab also qualify for a Covid booster, and the practice can give you both at the same appointment.

If you qualify for a flu jab this year the practice has a vaccination reserved for you and you should book your appointment as soon as you receive your invitation. Initial invitations have now been sent to all patients.

The text message invite includes a link to enable you to book your own appointment at a time convenient to you.

Remember, the programme starts on 3 October so you will need to select the appointment period from this date to see the bookable appointments (see instructions below).

Patients should book via the text message as above, or telephone the surgery. Please understand the telephone lines will be exceptionally busy at this time.

Child flu vaccinations will also be available. Parents of eligible children will be invited to telephone the surgery and book an appointment by both text message and letter. The majority of children will have the Nasal spray version of the vaccine, so no needles for our youngest patients!

When you attend for your appointment

  • When you arrive please use the hand sanitizer provided
  • You will be asked to minimise your time in the surgery to assist the flow of patients, the clinician will not be able to deal with any other queries during your appointment and you will be asked to leave the surgery promptly
  • You can help by wearing appropriate clothing to allow easy access to your arm, wearing short sleeves under your coat is particularly helpful

There are other vaccination programmes running that you may qualify for. There will not be time to give these vaccinations during your flu appointment (and who wants more than 2 vaccinations at once anyway!), but if you are eligible you may be asked to book another appointment via the reception team.

  • Shingles Vaccine. The shingles vaccine helps protect against shingles. It’s recommended for all adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79 and those aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system. Read more here.
  • Pneumococcal Vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against serious illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis. It’s recommended for people at higher risk of these illnesses, such as babies and adults aged 65 and over. Read more here.
  • RSV Vaccine. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. A vaccine to help protect against RSV will be available on the NHS from 1 September 2024.You’ll be able to get the vaccine if you’re aged 75 to 79 or you’re 28 weeks pregnant or more. Read more here.

Thank you in anticipation of your cooperation