Flu Vaccinations
The Flu Vaccination season is starting in October this year. This later start is due to advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
There is evidence that the effectiveness of the flu vaccine can wane over time and so by delaying when the vaccination is given, individuals are vaccinated closer to the time when the flu virus is likely to circulate (which typically peaks in December or January).
You can book your flu vaccination now, using the NHS App, SystmOnline, or by following the link when you receive a text message invite from the surgery.
The flu vaccine is recommended for 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 (see below)
- 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
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.
Health conditions that mean you are eligible for the flu vaccine:
- conditions that affect your breathing, such as asthma (needing a steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis
- heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
- chronic kidney disease
- liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis
- some conditions that affect your brain or nerves, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy
- diabetes or Addison's disease
- a weakened immune system due to a condition such as HIV or AIDS, or due to a treatment such as chemotherapy or steroid medicine
- problems with your spleen, such as sickle cell disease, or if you've had your spleen removed
- a learning disability
- being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
