Flu Vaccinations

Last Updated: 12th September 2023

At our surgery, we prioritise the health and well-being of our patients, which is why we strongly encourage all eligible individuals to take advantage of this opportunity and get their flu vaccine.

Adult Flu Clinic Dates For 23-24

Our Saturday clinics are open to individuals who are 18 years or older and eligible for a flu vaccine (see below). The upcoming clinic dates are as follows:

  • Saturday 7th October 2023 – NOW FULL
  • Saturday 21st October 2023
  • Saturday 11th November 2023

From 1st August 2023, you will be able to schedule an appointment. Please contact us after this date.

If none of the appointment dates work for you, please let us know after the last clinic on 11th November. We will then arrange a limited number of weekday appointments that may be more convenient for you.

Child Flu Clinic Dates For 23-24

During the October half term (week commencing 23rd October), our child flu clinics will commence. Appointments will be available all week. To secure an appointment, please contact us starting 2nd October 2023.

If you cannot attend during this time, smaller clinics will be conducted in the weeks following. Please contact us starting 1st November to schedule an appointment for these sessions.

Eligibility For The 23-24 Flu Season

This season, we are pleased to offer flu vaccines to patients who are registered with our surgery and fall into the following eligible cohorts:

  • adults aged 65 years and over, including those who turn 65 years on or before 31st March 2024 (DOB: on or before 31/03/1959)
  • those aged 6 months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (DOB: 01/04/1959 to age 6 months at time of appointment)
  • pregnant women
  • children aged 2 or 3 years on 31st August 2023 (DOB: 01/09/2019 to 31/08/2021)
  • those in long-stay residential care home
  • those registered with us as carers
  • close contacts of immuno-compromised individuals
  • frontline staff employed by the following social care providers without employer led occupational health schemes:
    • a registered residential care or nursing home
    • a registered domiciliary care provider
    • a voluntary managed hospice provider
    • Direct Payments or Personal Health Budgets, such as Personal Assistants

The school nursing team is committed to ensuring the well-being of primary school-aged children by offering flu vaccines. This vaccination will be provided by them to all children within this age group, including those who are home educated. To ensure accessibility and convenience for parents and guardians, the school nursing team will organise multiple clinics, including catch-up clinics for children who are unable to attend the initial round. These clinics will provide an opportunity for children to receive the flu vaccine at their respective schools. Should parents or guardians have any queries or concerns regarding the flu vaccine, they are encouraged to reach out directly to their child’s school or the school nursing team. They can contact the school nursing team via email at [email protected]. For further information on the program, visit: Winter Flu Vaccination programme : Hampshire Healthy Families

Important Notice: It is crucial to note that unlike previous years, individuals aged 50-64 who are not classified as being in a clinical risk group will not be eligible for a free flu vaccine. We understand that this may come as a disappointment to those in this age bracket who have previously qualified for a free flu vaccination. The decision is based on expert medical advice and aims to ensure that the limited vaccine supply is directed to those who need it most. We recognise that prevention is essential in the fight against influenza, and we strongly encourage all individuals to seek alternative options for flu vaccination. Private healthcare providers, pharmacies, and some workplaces may offer flu vaccines for purchase, providing individuals who do not meet the criteria an opportunity to protect themselves and those around them from flu-related illnesses.

Am I In A Clinical Risk Group?

Those in clinical risk groups are individuals who have certain medical conditions or characteristics that put them at higher risk of experiencing severe illness or complications if they contract a flu-related illness. The following are some examples of conditions or characteristics that make someone fall into a clinical risk group:

  • respiratory conditions, such as asthma (needing a steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and bronchitis
  • diabetes
  • heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
  • being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
  • chronic kidney disease
  • liver disease, such as hepatitis
  • some neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsy
  • a learning disability
  • problems with your spleen like sickle cell disease, or if you’ve had your spleen removed
  • a weakened immune system as a result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or taking medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy

Will I Be Invited?

Once our appointments become available for booking, all eligible patients will receive invitations.

For adults over 18 years:

You will either receive invitations via text message or a letter if we don’t have your mobile phone number. Due to the large volume of invitations to be sent, they will be staggered throughout August and September. Therefore, it is possible that you may not receive an invitation at the same time as someone else that you know. However, you don’t have to wait for an invitation to book your appointment. If you have confirmed your eligibility using the information above, you can contact us anytime after 1st August 2023, to schedule an appointment.

For children under 18 years:

Parents or guardians will either receive invitations via text message or a letter if we don’t have your mobile phone number. Invitations will be sent week commencing 2nd October. However, you don’t have to wait for an invitation to book your child’s appointment. If you have confirmed your child’s eligibility using the information above, you can contact us anytime after 2nd October 2023, to schedule an appointment.

How Do I Book An Appointment?

Patients who have provided us with their mobile phone number, whether they are adults or children, will receive a text message invitation containing a link to schedule an appointment. This link can only be accessed on smartphones with internet capabilities and will remain valid for a period of 7 days from the time it is sent. By utilising this link, you can book an appointment date and time that suits your schedule without having to contact the surgery directly.

If you are unable to use the link, you receive an invitation by letter, or you are yet to receive your invite, there are alternative ways to book your appointment. One option is to use online services like the NHS App, but this requires prior registration. Please ensure that you book an appointment for the appropriate age group, as failure to do so may result in cancellation of your appointment. Alternatively, you can call the practice directly at 01489 785 722 to book your appointment.

What If I Am Housebound?

Our ability to provide home visits is limited to patients who are unable to leave their homes in any circumstances. If you can leave your house for appointments or events, with the help of a family member, friend, or neighbour, or if you have been to our surgery for another appointment recently, we regret to inform you that we are unable to visit you. In such cases, we kindly request that you schedule an appointment at one of our clinics, where designated disabled parking and drop-off options are available for our frail patients.

If you are a housebound patient registered with us, in September/October, you will be contacted by staff from ESPN. They will allow you ample time to make arrangements for any required access or family members to be present during the visit.