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 are holding a number of Saturday clinics and will also hold clinics in surgery hours as social distancing allows. We have a huge number of patients to vaccinate and will be receiving staggered delivery of vaccines and appreciate your patience whilst clinics are being arranged.
We will be holding clinics for our clinically vulnerable patients who have been shielding from coronavirus. These patients will be amongst the first to be contacted by us alongside any family members they live with. This is so we can prioritise the members of our community who are the most vulnerable, including members of their household.
This year the flu vaccine is being offered 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 2023
- Children in Primary School
- Children in Year 7 (secondary school)
- Frontline health or social care workers
External websites for further information:
- Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England
- NHS UK – Who should have the flu vaccine?
- Flu vaccine overview – NHS UK
- Flu vaccine FAQs – NHS UK
- Vaccination tips for parents – NHS UK