Flu Clinics - please call reception to book
The timing of this year’s flu vaccination campaign has been altered – with most adults to be given the jab from the 3rd of October rather than September, NHS England has announced.
We will be holding prebooked vaccination clinics from October 3rd including Saturday the 5th October 2024.
Eligible patients will receive an online booking link via SMS text message in the weeks before the start dates listed below. If you do not have a mobile phone, we will call or write to you with your invitation. If you think you have been missed please call reception to check eligibility and book an appointment.
The timing of this year’s flu vaccination campaign has been altered – with most adults to be given the jab from the 3rd of October rather than September, NHS England has announced.
A September 1st start date will remain in place for children and pregnant women, however no changes have been announced to the eligible cohorts.
Delaying administering the jab until the beginning of October is based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) that this provides ‘optimal protection during the highest risk period.’
Guidance issued by UK Health Security Agency said evidence shows that the flu vaccine’s effectiveness can wane over time in adults.
Holding clinics from October means vaccines will be administered ‘closer to the time that the flu season commonly starts’ and to when it peaks in December or January.
Timings and eligibility for free NHS flu vaccine
The following should be vaccinated from 1 September 2024:
*pregnant women
*all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
*all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years who have missed this vaccination at school
The following should be vaccinated from 3rd October 2024 :
*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
There are now more NHS providers, such as pharmacies, offering free seasonal influenza vaccinations. This aims to increase convenience and address healthcare inequalities. However, GP practices like ours rely heavily on the NHS funding from this program to subsidise other essential services. Therefore, if possible, please support our practice by getting your Flu vaccines from us. Thank you.
Support your Practice, have your vaccination with us.