Flu Vaccination Campaign 2020/2021

Walk through flu appointments

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.

Flu clinics will be by invitation only.

We will be holding our “walk through” Flu Clinics during October and November 2020. Due to the current COVID-19 situation they will operate in a slightly different way to previous years to protect our patients and staff.

All eligible patient will be contacted by the practice (by phone) in the coming weeks so that a suitable flu vaccination appointment date and time can be booked.

Can we ask that patients don’t contact us direct requesting an appointment and instead await contact from the practice.

When you attend your “walk through” appointment you will be advised on arrival by a member of the practice team to wear a face mask and to remain 2 metres apart from other patients awaiting their vaccination. You will be escorted into the clinical room to receive your vaccination and then escorted safely out of the building via an alternative exit. Can we also ask that whilst you wait for your vaccination that you take any outer clothing off (i.e. coats) prior to going into the clinical room to speed up the process.

Also please attend your appointment at the time agreed as we only have limited space for patients waiting to receive their vaccination.

Starting from Saturday 3rd October 2020 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 by phone to book in an appointment. This is so we can prioritise the members of our community who are.

This year the flu vaccine is being offer on the NHS to:

  • Adults 65 and over
  • People with certain medical conditions (including children in at-risk groups from 6 months)
  • Pregnant women
  • Children aged 2 and 3 on 31 August 2020
  • Frontline health or social care workers

Flu Jabs for patients aged 50 – 64

Clinics for the new 2020 cohort of eligible patients aged 50-64, who do not have an ‘at risk condition’ (see NHS UK) will follow soon. These dates and times will be announced on our website.

External websites for further information: