As you a probably aware this year will be a very different and challenging year delivering the flu vaccination programme. Please support your GP practice by coming to us for your flu jab if you are eligible.
This year’s flu clinics will be run differently to how we usually do them to ensure social distancing is maintained.
Clinics will now be a 30 minute time slot with a maximum of 12 people in each clinic. You will be seen in order of arrival in your designated time slot. We politely request that you attend the practice in the 30 minute time slot given to you – please do not arrive / early or late. We have limited space for social distancing and if you arrive outside of your time slot we may not be able to let you in the building straight away.
A maximum of 12 people will be allowed in the reception at any one time. If we reach capacity we will ask you to form a queue outside – please bring weather appropriate clothing in case they are needed (coat / umbrella).
You will be required to wear a face mask or a face covering whilst in the practice. This is not only to protect you but other people and our staff.
Due to social distancing and to help us see you as quickly as possible there will be no seating available unless you are physically unable to stand.
We would request that you attend alone where possible unless you need physical aid, if you do need help please only bring 1 person with you.
Our priority this year because of covid-19 is simple: Invite you in, perform the vaccination as quickly and as safely as possible and then allow you to leave as quickly as possible all whilst maintaining social distancing.
We anticipate there may be an increased demand for the flu jab this year; we would strongly encourage you if you are eligible to book your appointment as soon as they become available.
You should have the flu vaccine if you are:
- Over 65 years old
- Pregnant
- Living in a long term residential or nursing home
- A carer (paid or unpaid)
You have a medical condition which falls into one of the following categories:
- Chronic Respiratory Disease such as Asthma, COPD, Emphysema which requires regular medication.
- Chronic Heart Disease
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Chronic Liver Disease
- Chronic Neurological conditions such as Parkinsons, Multiple Sclerosis, Motor
Neurone Disease or Cerebral Palsy - A Learning Disability
- Diabetes
- A problem with your spleen or you have had your spleen removed
- A weakened immune system due to a condition such as HIV or AID’s or due to taking high dose steroid medication or being on chemotherapy.
- You have a BMI of over 40
Two additional groups of patients will be eligible for the flu jab this year as per the latest government guidance.
- Anyone aged 50-64 years old irrespective of medical conditions
- Anyone who lives with someone who was on the official government shielded patient list (i.e. they received a government letter to shield between March – July) or will spend a majority of them time with them over the winter months.
The current guidance from the government is that we must prioritise those people who are clinically at risk first. If you fall into the additional cohorts you will be able to book a flu jab however this will not be until after 1st November 2020.
Children’s flu vaccinations
The following age groups of children are able to have the flu vaccination at their GP practice:
- A child over 6 months old with a long term health condition (children aged between 6 months and 2 years old will have the injectable version)
- Any child aged between 2 and 3 years old (this will be the nasal spray)
The children’s flu vaccination is expected to become available to order in early September. Once clinics are available we will contact the parents of eligible children directly.
Health Care Worker flu vaccinations
If you work on the frontline within healthcare you are eligible for the flu vaccination. This should be arranged by your employers occupational health department.
If this cannot be arranged by your employer you can attend your GP practice to have this done.