Grove SurgeryAs winter approaches, three vaccination programmes will be available: Flu, COVID-19, and the new vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). With these programmes running concurrently, we want to update you on what’s available, who is eligible, how to book, and where you can receive these vaccines.
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations
At Grove Surgery, we will collaborate with School Lane Surgery and Watton Medical Practice as part of our Primary Care Network (PCN) to offer combined flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics. These clinics have been very successful in previous years and will allow you to book both vaccines at the same time, saving you from having to make multiple appointments. If you prefer to receive only one of the vaccines, that’s perfectly fine.
Who is eligible for a flu vaccine?
Eligibility for the flu vaccine varies slightly from the COVID-19 booster. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advises the NHS on who should receive a free vaccine. You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:
- Are aged 65 or over.
- Are 6 months to 64 years old and in a clinical risk group.
- Are pregnant.
- Live in a care home.
- Are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance.
- Live with someone who has a weakened immune system.
- Are a 2 to 3-year-old child.
- School-aged children (Reception to Year 11) will be offered a vaccine at school.
- Frontline health and social care workers can also receive a flu vaccine through their employer.
When can I have the flu vaccine?
The NHS defines the winter season as starting on 1st September each year, and previously, patients could get their flu vaccine from this date. This year, however, there is a change: some patients will be invited from October.
From September, the following patients are eligible for a flu vaccine:
- Pregnant individuals.
- 2–3-year-olds.
- School-aged children (Reception to Year 11).
- Children aged 6 months to under 18 years old in a clinical risk group.
From 3rd October, the following patients are eligible:
- Aged 65 or over.
- 18 to 64-year-olds in a clinical risk group.
- Those living in a care home.
- Main carers for older or disabled individuals, or those receiving a carer’s allowance.
- Individuals living with someone who has a weakened immune system.
- Frontline health and social care workers.
Why do I have to wait until October this year?
The NHS has followed JCVI advice recommending that older patients receive their flu vaccination later in the season. Flu typically peaks between December and January, so delaying the vaccine for older patients helps ensure that their protection is at its peak when flu is most prevalent.
Will the flu vaccine give me the flu?
No, the flu vaccines used in the UK do not contain live viruses and cannot give you the flu. Common side effects are mild and typically resolve within 1-2 days, including:
- Pain or soreness at the injection site.
- Slightly raised temperature.
- Aching body.
Serious side effects, such as severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), are very rare. The person administering the vaccine will be trained to manage such reactions if they occur. While no vaccine is 100% effective, the flu vaccine offers the best defence against flu and can make any illness you do contract milder and quicker to recover from.
Who is eligible for a COVID-19 booster?
Fewer groups are eligible for the COVID-19 booster vaccine compared to the flu vaccine. You can receive the free NHS COVID-19 booster if you:
- Are aged 65 years or over.
- Reside in a care home for older adults.
- Are 6 months to 64 years old in a clinical risk group.
- Are pregnant.
- Are a frontline health or social care worker.
Eligibility for COVID-19 boosters does not extend to:
- Main carers for older or disabled individuals, or those receiving a carer’s allowance.
- Household contacts of people with immunosuppression.
Where can I get my flu and/or COVID-19 booster?
We will be running clinics at Thetford Healthy Living Centre and Watton Medical Practice. Booking links will be sent via text message, allowing you to choose a convenient date, time, and location. If you do not receive text alerts from the surgery, do not worry we will be in contact to arrange an appointment for you.
Will you be vaccinating all patients in these clinics, or can I go to my usual surgery?
We will not be holding specific adult flu or COVID-19 vaccination clinics at the surgery. This approach helps the surgery continue to see other patients while managing the large-scale vaccination campaigns. We will offer flu vaccinations during other appointments, but no COVID-19 vaccinations will be given at the surgery.
What about children?
Children under 18 years old cannot receive vaccinations at the joint clinics. For:
- COVID-19 boosters: Eligible children should book through the National Booking System here.
- Flu vaccines for school-aged children (Reception to Year 11): Will be administered at school by the school Nurse team. Contact your child’s school for details.
- Children who miss their school flu vaccine can contact the surgery to arrange an appointment.
- For 2 to 3-year-olds, we will contact you to schedule the vaccine at the surgery.
No RSV vaccine will be provided in joint clinics; it will be offered alongside shingles or pneumococcal vaccines if eligible in the surgery.
What about care home and housebound patients?
A dedicated team will manage flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for care home residents and housebound patients. We will contact you or the home directly to arrange this in due course.
What if I only want a flu vaccination and not a COVID-19 booster?
That’s perfectly fine. If you’re eligible for both vaccines but only want one, just let the team know at the clinic.
I have received a letter indicating that I am immunosuppressed. Why do I need to bring this to the clinic?
To ensure that only eligible individuals receive the vaccine, we ask those with an immunosuppressive condition to bring their letter to the clinic. This helps verify eligibility for the vaccines.
I have received a text message asking if I want the vaccine. Is this genuine?
Yes. We are sending text messages to confirm if you would like the vaccine(s) or to refuse, allowing us to focus on patients who want the vaccine and avoid unnecessary reminders for those who decline. If you change your mind, we can still arrange your vaccination during the season which will run until 31st March 2025 for both flu and COVID-19.
What if I am ill on the day?
If you are unwell, we will need to reschedule your vaccination. Please contact the surgery to arrange a new appointment.
RSV Vaccine
This year, a new vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) will be offered to certain patients. RSV is a respiratory illness that can cause severe symptoms, particularly in older adults and young children. While it often resembles a cold, RSV can lead to more serious conditions such as pneumonia.
Who is eligible for the RSV vaccine?
- Patients turning 75 on or after 1 September 2024 will be offered a single dose. The vaccine can be received up to the day before turning 80.
- Those already aged 75 to 79 on 1 September 2024 are included in a catch-up programme ending 31 August 2025.
- Pregnant individuals over 28 weeks will also be eligible.
How will I receive the RSV vaccine if eligible?
Patients aged 75 and over will receive the vaccine at the surgery. Pregnant patients will be offered the vaccine by their midwife or at antenatal clinics.
When will I get the vaccine?
The RSV vaccine will be available from 1 September 2024 and, unlike flu and COVID-19 vaccines, will be available all year round. We will invite eligible patients once the vaccine is delivered.
Can I receive the RSV vaccine alongside my flu or COVID-19 vaccine?
No, RSV vaccines are not given at the joint flu/COVID-19 clinics. However, if eligible, you can receive the RSV vaccine alongside shingles or pneumococcal vaccinations.
Questions?
We understand this is a lot of information, and you may have questions. Please contact the surgery if you need clarification on eligibility or further details about the autumn vaccinations.