While flu and COVID-19 is unpleasant for most people it can be very dangerous and even life threatening for some, particularly people with certain health conditions, older people and pregnant women. For those that are older, pregnant or with certain health conditions, catching flu can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia or can make existing conditions worse. Every winter, thousands die from flu and people can still become very ill or die from COVID-19.
How to Book
Download the NHS App or visit www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination to book a free seasonal Covid-19 vaccine, and, if eligible, you can also book a flu vaccine in the same appointment.
If you can’t get online, the free 119 number can make bookings for you at the same sites.
There will be additional, local options available soon.
If you only want a flu vaccine then you can contact your local pharmacy.
Many pharmacies offer a walk-in service with no need to book.
The practice will also be offering flu jabs from the start of October when our supplies arrive but we recommend you get the vaccine wherever is easiest for you.
Eligibility
· The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are offered to people most at risk of getting seriously ill from flu or who are most likely to pass flu to other people at risk
· It is important that you get vaccinated as soon as possible to give yourself the best possible protection ahead of winter, particularly given the risk of the new BA.2.86 COVID-19 variant.
· Those who can get both vaccines through the NHS will include everyone aged 65 and over, pregnant women, care home residents, people with certain health conditions, frontline health and care staff, unpaid carers and household contacts of those at higher risk.
· Eligible children will be able to get their flu vaccine from September as soon as the vaccine is available
· The JCVI has advised that, for most people, it is fine to have the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time.
· Where possible, we encourage you to get both vaccines in the same appointment to get protected against both viruses in just a few minutes. If this is not possible, it is better to get each vaccine as soon as you can rather than waiting.
More information on eligibility for COVID vaccine
More information on eligibility for Flu vaccine
What if I am Housebound?
A local service is being set up that will be visiting housebound patients to administer Flu and COVID vaccines. Patients will be contacted to arrange this very soon about this. Please only contact the practice if you have recently become housebound to make sure we are aware of this. Otherwise we will be contacting you soon to arrange.
Child Winter Vaccinations
How to Book a Child’s COVID vaccine
Download the NHS App or visit www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination to book a free seasonal Covid-19 vaccine, and, if eligible, you can also book a flu vaccine in the same appointment.
How to Book a Child’s Flu Vaccine
| Child’s age | Where to have the flu vaccine |
|---|---|
From 6 months until 2 years | GP surgery |
From 2 years until child | GP surgery |
All children at primary school (Reception to Year 6) | School |
Secondary school aged children in eligible groups (Year 7 to Year 11) | School |
Children in eligible school groups | School or GP surgery |
Children who are home-schooled or not in mainstream education | Community clinic |
