Vaccinations

Flu and Other Vaccinations

FLU VACCINATIONS FOR PATIENTS AGED 50 YEARS AND THOSE IN AN AT RISK GROUP

More information about our 23/24 Flu Vaccination clinics will be available in the coming months.

If you are aged 50 and over or are under 65 and in an at risk group you will be invited to make an appointment. This year, it is more important than ever to be vaccinated. Covid-19 and Flu can have very serious consequences. 

Children aged 2-3 years  should also receive a nasal vaccination. Invitations will be sent to all children in this age group.

What you Need to Know About our Flu Clinics

We will have a walking queue system and vaccine will be given standing up

It is important to arrive just in time for your appointment

To ensure vaccines can be given quickly please wear a short sleeve top and remove coats in the waiting room

If you are unwell do not attend for your vaccination. We can rearrange for a later date.

If you are in one of the groups below you should have a flu vaccine

Age 50 and over (including patients becoming aged 50 years by 31.3.2022)

Patients aged 6m – 64 years in an at risk group:

• Chronic long term respiratory problems (including Asthma and COPD)
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Heart problems
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Neurological Problems, including Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinsons
• Pregnant women
• Problems with your spleen (including Coeliac Disease)
• Weakened immune system due to disease or treatment (such as cancer treatment)
• Long-term use of steroids or having Chemotherapy
• Living in residential or nursing homes
• People with a learning disability
• Main carer for an elderly or disabled person
• Health and social care staff, directly involved in delivering healthcare
• Body Mass Index of 40kg/m2 and above (classified as morbidly obese)
• Household contacts of shielded patients

PNEUMOCOCCOL VACCINATIONS

Pneumococcal vaccinations are available throughout the year to all eligible patients.

Pneumococcal disease, including septicaemia, pneumonia and meningitis particularly affects the very young, the elderly, those with an absent or non-functioning spleen and with impaired immunity.

Pneumococcal vaccinations are available throughout the year.

Pneumococcal immunisation is recommended for patients with any of the following:

• Age 65 and over
• Chronic respiratory disease (such as COPD)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Chronic liver disease
• Coronary heart disease
• Diabetes
• Problems with your spleen (including Coeliac Disease)
• Weakened immune system
• Long-term use of steroids or having Chemotherapy
• People with cochlear implants
• People with cerebrospinal fluid leaks
• Some people with an occupational risk, including those who work with metal fumes, such as welders

Most adults only require one Pneumococcal immunisation in their lifetime.
You can have this injection at the same time as your flu vaccination.

SHINGLES VACCINATION

Shingles vaccinations are available throughout the year to all eligible patients.

Shingles can be very painful and uncomfortable. Some people are left with pain lasting for years after the initial rash has healed. Shingles is fatal for around 1 in 1,000 over-70s who develop it.
A vaccine to prevent shingles, a common, painful skin disease is now available.
The vaccine is expected to reduce your risk of getting shingles. If you are unlucky enough to go on to have the disease, your symptoms may be milder and the illness shorter.

Patients are currently eligible for the shingles vaccine from their 70th birthday.
Anyone who was eligible for immunisation previously remains eligible for the vaccination until their 80th birthday.

You only need to have this vaccination once. (NB – patients who are immunocompromised and cannot have the Zostavax vaccine will need 2 doses of Shingrix
You can have a shingles vaccination at the same time as having a flu or Pneumonia vaccination.

The shingles vaccine is not available on the NHS to anyone aged 80 and over because it seems to be less effective in this age group.

You can have the shingles vaccination at any time of year, though many find it convenient to have it at the same time as their flu vaccination.