If you are invited for a free Flu and or Covid vaccine this winter by your GP surgery please accept the invitation, you are not only protecting yourself but also those vulnerable people around you as well as reducing the potential burden on the NHS should you contract either type of virus.
Your GP surgery must pay for a flu vaccine for every eligible person regardless of whether you accept the offer. So please attend your GP surgery rather than going elsewhere, if possible, so to avoid wasted vaccines which means they cannot claim back the cost.
Who should have a flu vaccine?
Flu vaccination is recommended for those who are most at risk of serious complications if they get flu. For adults this includes everyone aged 65 years and over, pregnant women, and those with certain long-term health conditions. Flu can be a serious illness in these people and the vaccine offers the best protection.
Why do I have to wait until October for my flu vaccine?
This year most eligible adults will be offered a flu vaccine from early October, which might be slightly later than in previous years. This is because the latest scientific evidence shows that protection from the flu vaccine decreases over time in adults. It is better to have the vaccine closer to when flu typically circulates.
When should pregnant women get vaccinated?
Pregnant women should have the vaccine from September. This is because the protection from the vaccine is passed through the placenta to the baby, giving the baby protection for the first few months of life when they are particularly at risk from flu. Therefore, pregnant women shouldn’t delay vaccination, especially those who are heavily pregnant, as babies born during the flu season need to be protected against flu as well the pregnant woman herself.
When should children get vaccinated?
Vaccination for children who are offered a flu vaccine on the NHS will also start from September because their protection from the vaccine doesn’t decrease as quickly as it does in adults.
Are there any other exceptions?
There will be a very small number of people who need to be vaccinated earlier than October. For instance, if someone is about to start chemotherapy in October, it is better for them to have the vaccine before they start their treatment. This is because they will respond better to the vaccine before their immune system becomes weaker.
You should speak to your GP if you think you need to have the vaccine earlier than October and they will decide whether it is appropriate.
When do I need to get my vaccination by?
It’s best that you get the vaccine by the end of November as it takes up to 14 days to fully work. But even if it’s later than November, it is still worth asking whether you can have a flu vaccine.
What should I do now?
For eligible adults, ask your GP practice when you can book an appointment. You should be able to do this ahead of time. If you are pregnant, you can also ask your midwife.
Most children are also offered flu vaccination. For further information you can visit: nhs.uk/child-flu
Where can I get further information?
Speak to your GP, practice nurse, or if you are pregnant, your midwife. You can read the Flu vaccination:who should have it and why leaflet or visit: nhs.uk/flujab
Flu and Covid Clinics at the Sixpenny Handley and Chalke Valley Practice this season.
Sat 5th October – Bishopstone Village Hall
Sat 12th October – Sixpenny Handley Village Hall
Sat 19th October – Bishopstone Village Hall
Sat 26th October- Sixpenny Handley Surgery
Please contact the surgery to book an appointment on 01722 780228 or use the self book link we will send you if you have a mobile number or email address saved to your notes.
COVID Booster Vaccination for Autumn/Winter 2024
Those who are Eligible this season.
• Residents in a care home for older adults
• All adults aged 65 years and over by 31/03/25
• Persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group
• Frontline health and social care workers
• Persons aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
• Persons aged 16 to 64 years who are carers and staff working in care homes for older adults.
Eligible cohorts for flu vaccination are based on the advice of the JCVI and Department of Health & Social Care. Those eligible for NHS flu vaccine in 2024/25 are:
children 2-3 years of age
frontline healthcare worker
those aged 65 years and over
pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
those in long-stay residential care homes
carers
close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
those aged 6 months to under 65 in clinical risk groups:
a heart problem
a chest complaint or serious breathing difficulties, including bronchitis, emphysema or asthmatic
a kidney disease
lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as long term steroid medication or cancer treatment)
liver disease
had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
diabetes
a neurological condition, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
a problem with your spleen, such as sickle cell disease, or you have had your spleen removed
you are severely overweight (BMI of 40 and above)
Please note that people aged 50-64 with no underlying health condition (as stated above) will NOT be eligible for a flu vaccination this year.
All school-aged children (From Reception to Year 11) will be invited for their vaccine as part of the School Immunisation programme.