These are NOW available at the surgery and we are calling up eligible patients.
Walk in any time in the next 2 weeks or book an appt.
They are free of charge and are recommended for all those over 65 years , all pregnant women (at whatever stage), those under 65 (including children over 6m) in certain high risk groups - see below - and you may also qualify if you are a carer for a vulnerable person or receive the carer's allowance or live in a long stay care facility.

Last year was pretty bad, so don't delay!

This year is again more complex in view of the 2 different flu vaccines - the 'Trivalent' which works best for those over 65yrs (is is 'adjuvanted' meaning it has an extra booster built into it in view of the rather more lethargic immune system as we get older) and the 'Quadrivalent' for those at risk in the younger ages. These younger patients get an extra Type B flu strain as they are more susceptible to this than the older population. So this is all based on research into effectiveness.
Also, due to manufacturing limitations, deliveries will be in batches between September and November, so sometimes we might be short of one or other of the vaccines for a little while (though we have ordered plenty in total).

At risk groups include those with:
Chronic respiratory disease (incl. serious asthma requiring regular preventative treatment, COPD, children admitted to hospital with respiratory problems), Chronic heart disease, Chronic liver disease (incl. cirrhosis),Chronic neurological disease (such as MS, stroke), Diabetes, Decreased immunity (such as steroids, chemotherapy, lack of spleen), All pregnant women, Morbid obesity (BMI -Body Mass Index of 40 or more).
Those in long stay residential homes or care facilities.
Carers of those in 'at risk' groups.
Health workers and others deemed to be at risk will be vaccinated under their Occupational Health service.

Pre-School children aged 2 or 3 on 31.8.19 will be offered this nasal vaccine at the surgery.
All children in primary school (up to age 9) will be given the nasal spray at school.
'At risk' children aged 10-17yr iwill be given the nasal spray at the surgery.
'At risk' children aged 6m -2yr will have an injection in the surgery.
Click here for a leaflet on this year's programme with useful answers to common questions.
Also check out the detailed NHS site