As autumn approaches in the coming months, now is the time to start thinking about getting the annual flu jab. This year, the free jab will be offered to more people amidst concerns around the still-present coronavirus.
The NHS flu programme in England typically offers the flu vaccine to those over the age of 65, pregnant women and those with existing health conditions or weakened immune systems. These groups will remain a high priority this year, while the programme will also be extended to reach out to more people.
In a typical winter, flu is one of the biggest health concerns for many older and vulnerable people. With the additional threat of coronavirus this year, the public are being advised to take extra care to avoid both of these diseases. The government hopes for as many people as possible to receive the flu jab to reduce the risk of caregivers and healthcare workers coming under immense pressure.
We will be holding our Flu Clinics over the next few months. Due to the current COVID-19 situation they will operate in a slightly different way to previous years to protect our patients and staff.
We will be running the majority of our clinics on a Saturday morning at the surgery and will also be holding one clinic at the Columbine Centre. All clinics will be by appointment only. This is to ensure a safe flow of patients in and out of the buildings.
Our clinics will be held on:
Saturday 12th September – Over 65 age group only
Saturday 19th September – Over 65 age group only
Saturday 26th September – Under 65 age group in the high risk categories
Wednesday 30th September @ The Columbine Centre – Over 65 age group only
Due to a delay in the delivery of vaccines, further information on future clinics for the under 65 at risk group will be made available in October.
Clinics for those children under the age of 18 in the at risk groups and not covered by the national school vaccination programme will be held during October/November – dates to be confirmed.
We have been busy contacting our patients by telephone or SMS text message to invite you to book. If you have not heard from us and you are aged 65 or over, pregnant, suffer from a condition/conditions placing you in the at risk group, you are living in the same household as someone who has been on the shielding list or have a weakened immune system, please telephone the surgery to arrange an appointment.
This year the flu vaccine is being offer on the NHS to:
· Adults 65 and over
· People with certain medical conditions(including children in at-risk groups from 6 months)
· Pregnant women
· People living with someone who’s at high risk from coronavirus (on the NHS shielded patient list)
· Children aged 2 and 3 on 31 August 2020
· Children in Primary School
· Children in Year 7 (secondary school)
· Frontline health or social care workers
Flu Jabs for patients aged 50 – 64
Clinics for the new 2020 cohort of eligible patients aged 50-64, who do not have an ‘at risk condition’ (see NHS UK) will follow soon. These dates and times will be announced on our website.
External websites for further information:
· Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England – National Flu Immunisation Programme 2020 – 2021
· NHS UKWho should have the flu vaccine?
· Flu vaccine overview– NHS UK
· Children’s flu Vaccine
- NHS UK
- NHS UK
· Vaccination tips for parents– NHS UK