Flu Campaign

Patients with mobile numbers on their medical records will be sent a URL link via Text message. This link will allow patients to book into the correct slot but on a date and time of their choice. This system shows all available appointments for Flu vaccinations up to 6 weeks in advance.

Patients that do not have mobile numbers on their records will receive a letter or phone call inviting them to book an appointment with a receptionist at the surgery.

To ensure smooth running of our clinics please arrive on time for your appointment, do not arrive early. Please arrive via the main surgery entrance and check in at Reception. You will be directed to a clinical room via the Call Board in the waiting room. Once you have been vaccinated, you will leave via the main entrance. 

Your appointment should take no longer than 5 minutes. It is helpful if you could avoid wearing layers, tight sleeves and have your arm ready.

We may be offering pneumonia and shingles vaccinations to those patients who are eligible.

We are hoping to be able to offer a covid booster to those at higher risk of severe illness from Covid-19.

Please note we will not be able to address any other medical/administrative queries during your visit as it is important clinics run to time so that we can maintain safe social distancing.

In 2023/24 flu vaccinations will be offered under the NHS flu vaccination programme to the following groups:

• chronic (long-term) respiratory disease, such as severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including Bronchitis, emphysema, Bronchiectasis, Cystic Fibrosis, Interstitial lung fibrosis, pneumoconiosis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
• chronic heart disease, such as heart failure, Atrial Fibrillation, Peripheral Vascular disease, or venous thromboembolism.
• chronic kidney disease at stage three, four or five, Chronic Kidney failure, nephrotic syndrome, Kidney transplantation
• chronic liver disease, Cirrhosis, Biliary atresia. Chronic Hepatitis.
• chronic neurological disease, such as Stroke, TIA, Polio Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or motor neurone disease.
• learning disability
• diabetes & Addisons disease
• splenic dysfunction or asplenia
• a weakened immune system due to disease (such as HIV/AIDS) or treatment (such as cancer treatment)
• morbidly obese (defined as BMI of 40 and above)
• all children aged two or three on August 2023
• primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6).Immunisation will be offered by the school immunisation service.
• people aged 65 years or over (including those becoming age 65 years by 31 March 2024)
• those aged from six months to less than 65 years of age, in a clinical risk group such as those with:
• all pregnant women (including those women who become pregnant during the flu season)
• household contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• people living in long-stay residential care homes or other long-stay care facilities where rapid spread is likely to follow introduction of infection and cause high morbidity and mortality. This does not include, for instance, prisons, young offender institutions, university halls of residence, or boarding schools (except where children are of primary school age or secondary school Year 7).
• those who are in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or who are the main carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.
• health and social care staff, employed by a registered residential care/nursing home or registered domiciliary care provider, who are directly involved in the care of vulnerable patients/clients who are at increased risk from exposure to influenza.
• health and care staff, employed by a voluntary managed hospice provider, who are directly involved in the care of vulnerable patients/clients who are at increased risk from exposure to influenza.
• health and social care workers employed through Direct Payments (personal budgets) and/or Personal Health Budgets, such as Personal Assistants, to deliver domiciliary care to patients and service users.

Those who do not fall within the eligible categories for a free NHS vaccination will be able to buy a flu vaccine from their local participating pharmacy.

Common symptoms of flu include a high temperature, fatigue, headache, general aches and pains and a dry, chesty cough. If you are generally fit and healthy you can usually manage the symptoms at home yourself without seeing a doctor. The best remedy is to rest at home, keep warm and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Paracetamol or ibuprofen may help lower a high temperature and relieve aches. A pharmacist will be able to provide advice on medication.

People suffering with a cold or flu should avoid going into hospital, GP practice or other health setting to reduce the chance of vulnerable people catching the virus. The flu virus can be very dangerous for the elderly and the infirm particularly if they are already sick. This is a message that applies to people coming into hospital seeking treatment and to people coming to visit relatives.

Colds and flu are caused by viruses and easily spread to other people. Germs from coughs and sneezes survive on hands and surfaces for up to 24 hours. You are infectious until all symptoms are gone which usually takes a week or two.

You can help prevent colds and flu spreading by using tissues to ‘catch it, kill it, bin it’. Washing your hands regularly with soap and water destroys bugs that you may have picked up from touching surfaces used by other people, such as light switches and door handles. It is also important to keep household items clean, including cleaning such items as cups, glasses and towels, especially if someone in your house is ill.

People with worsening symptoms or respiratory problems are advised not to visit a GP surgery or a hospital but to call