As we approach autumn, those who are eligible should be thinking about getting their flu jab and COVID-19 vaccine. In this post we will talk about why it’s important to be vaccinated, those who are eligible, and how to book in for an appointment.
Those with long-term health conditions are at risk of more severe outcomes if they catch flu. Flu is far more than just a bad cold. For some, it can increase the risk of developing serious lung and airway infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia or can make existing conditions worse. Flu spreads easily and can lead to hospitalisation – in some cases, even death. The flu virus is constantly evolving, which is why getting vaccinated each year is vital.
Similarly, 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’.
Current vaccines provide good protection against severe disease and hospitalisation. UKHSA surveillance data relating to last autumn’s programme shows that those who received a vaccine were around 43% less likely to be admitted to hospital with COVID-19 from 2 weeks following vaccination, compared to those who remained unvaccinated. Vaccination continues to help protect against severe illness, hospitalisations and deaths arising from COVID-19. Last winter, between November, December and January around 13,000 people were admitted to hospital with the virus.
All patients who are eligible for the flu or COVID-19 vaccine should receive an email or text from the practice letting them know they are eligible along with a link that wil allow you to book an appointment.
Flu Vaccine
Below is information regarding those who are eligible for the Autumn/Winter 2025 Flu jab.
From the 1st of September 2025, we can give the vaccine to:
- those who are pregnant
- all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025
- children with certain long-term health conditions (aged 6 months to less than 18 years)
- all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to under 18 years
Children of a school age (reception to year 11) should receive their nasal flu through their school or via the School Age Immunisation Service.
To book, please call the surgery or use our e-consultation service to make an appointment with Nurse Tara/ Nurse Harriet or an appointment to attend a designated flu clinic.
From the 1st of October 2025, we can give the vaccine to:
- everyone aged 65 years and over
- individuals aged 18 to under 65 with certain long-term health conditions
- care home residents
- carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- those living with people who are immunocompromised
- frontline health and social care workers
To book, please call the surgery or use our e-consultation service to make an appointment to attend one of our flu clinics. We are offering a selection of all day Saturday appointments throughout October on the 4th, 11th and 18th as well as smaller clinics during the week.
For more information, click here.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Below is information regarding those who are eligible for the Autumn/Winter 2025 COVID-19 vaccine.
From the 1st of October 2025, we can give the vaccine to:
- adults aged 75 years and over
- residents in care homes for older adults
- individuals who are immunosuppressed aged 6 months and over
This represents a change from the Autumn 2024 programme, which also included adults aged 65 to 74 and all those aged 6 months and over in a clinical risk group.
To book, please contact the surgery to make an appointment to attend one of our flu clinics. We are offering a selection of all day Saturday appointments throughout October on the 4th, 11th and 18th as well as smaller clinics during the week.
For more information, click here.
Housebound Patients
Individuals who are housebound will be coded in our systems as being such. There is no need to book an appointment as you will be contacted when a member of our team is due to be coming out to administer the flu jab and/ or covid-19 vaccine. If you are unsure whether we have you recorded as being housebound please contact the surgery so this can be investigated.