Flu season is fast approaching- It is now time to book your Flu and Covid Vaccines.
We are running clinics on the Saturday 5th October and Sunday 6th October. We have started sending out our invitations via text message to enable you to book via the link in the message. However, please contact the Practice as soon as possible to book your appointment if you have any issues or have not yet received your text message.
You will need to book 1 appointment, irrelevant of whether you would like flu/covid only or both vaccination.
We would appreciate if you could support your Practice via booking your vaccine at the Practice.
Flu Vaccination:
The flu vaccine helps protect against flu, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness. It’s offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:
- are aged 65 or over
- have certain long-term health conditions
- are pregnant
- live in a care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
Covid Vaccination:
As we move into autumn, protection from any earlier COVID-19 vaccination you may have had will be starting to wane. For those who are more likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19, the NHS offers a free vaccine in the autumn, previously known as the ‘Autumn Booster’.
Eligible groups this autumn:
- adults aged 65 years and over
- residents in a care home for older adults
- individuals aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group (as defined in tables 3 or 4 in the COVID-19 chapter of the Green Book)
- frontline NHS and social care workers, and those working in care homes for older people
The vaccine should usually be offered no earlier than around 6 months after the last vaccine dose. If you are eligible, you can get protection from an autumn COVID-19 vaccination even if you have not taken up a COVID-19 vaccine offer in the past.
FAQ’s:
Can I have the Flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?
Yes, you can have the flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines such as the COVID-19, pneumonia and shingles vaccines. You will be offered flu and covid on the day, but can choose to have only one vaccine if you would prefer. You are only required to book one appointment, irrelevant of whether you decide to have both.
When am I most at risk from flu?
Flu circulates every winter and generally peaks in December and January.
This means many people get ill around the same time. But it’s impossible to predict how many cases of flu there will be each year or exactly when it will peak
How long will the flu vaccine protect me for?
The flu vaccine will provide protection for you for the upcoming flu season. People eligible for flu vaccination should have the vaccine each year.
Can I have the flu vaccine while I’m taking antibiotics?
Yes, it’s fine to have the flu vaccine while you’re taking a course of
antibiotics, provided you’re not ill with a high temperature.
How long does the flu vaccine take to become effective?
It takes between 10 and 14 days for your immune system to respond fully after you have had the flu vaccine.
If I had the flu vaccine last year, do I need it again now?
Yes. The viruses that cause flu can change every year, which means the flu (and the vaccine)
Is it OK to have the flu vaccine during pregnancy?
Yes. In fact, it’s important to get the flu vaccine if you’re pregnant. It’s safe to have at any stage of pregnancy, including in the first trimester and right up to the expected due date. It helps protect the mother-to-be and newborn baby from catching flu.