The Flu Vaccination Programme
NHS winter flu and covid vaccine
Those eligible will now be offered a covid vaccine from 11 September, in line with the latest expert guidance on the new covid variant.
The adult covid and flu vaccination programmes had been due to start in October to maximise protection over the winter months, but now those most at risk including adult care home residents will be vaccinated from 11 September.
Residents of older adult care homes and those most at risk including those who are immunosuppressed will receive their covid vaccine first.
Carers, pregnant women, and health and social care staff will all be among the groups to be offered a covid jab this winter, as well as adults aged 65 and over.
The NHS winter flu and COVID-19 vaccination programme provides vital protection to those eligible and their families over winter, keeping people from developing serious illnesses, and helping to minimise hospitalisations during busy winter months.
But it is important that those eligible this year come forward for their vaccinations as protection fades over time, and the virus that causes flu can change from year to year.
As in previous years, the NHS will let people know when bookings open.
There will be no change to flu vaccinations for children which will be offered in schools, to prevent children from getting seriously ill from flu and ending up hospital, and to break the chain of transmission of the virus to the wider population.
The nasal flu vaccine is the most effective vaccine for children aged 2-17 years but if this is not suitable the GP or practice nurse may be able to offer a flu vaccine injection as an alternative.
Health and social care workers will be invited for their vaccines through their employer.
In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, those eligible for a flu vaccine this year include:
- those aged 65 years and over
- those aged 6 months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book, chapter 19 (Influenza))
- pregnant women
- all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2023
- school-aged children (from Reception to Year 11)
- those in long-stay residential care homes
- carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants
Those eligible for an autumn covid vaccine are:
- residents in a care home for older adults
- all adults aged 65 years and over
- persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as laid out in the Immunisation Green Book, COVID-19 chapter (Green Book)
- frontline health and social care workers
- persons aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts (as defined in the Green Book) of people with immunosuppression
- persons aged 16 to 64 years who are carers (as defined in the Green Book) and staff working in care homes for older adults.
The Tardis Surgery are hoping to offer covid vaccination appointments but his will depend of the availability of the vaccine. The surgery are working closely with the Primary Care Network to try and secure covid vaccine deliveries.
We are offering clinics for both flu and covid vaccinations but you may be asked to rebook your covid vaccination appointment if we do not have sufficient covid vaccine stock.
Please telephone reception to book your appointment
We are working hard with the Integrated Care Board to secure the quantities of vaccine that we need for our patients.
Thank you for your understanding
Shingles vaccine
Shingles vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
The shingles vaccine helps protect against shingles. It's recommended for people at higher risk from shingles, including all adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79 and those aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system.
What the shingles vaccine is for
Shingles is a common condition that causes a painful rash. It can sometimes lead to serious problems such as long-lasting pain, hearing loss or blindness.
You're more likely to get shingles, and it's more likely to cause serious problems, as you get older or if you have a severely weakened immune system.
The shingles vaccine helps:
- reduce your chances of getting shingles
- reduce your chances of getting serious problems if you do get shingles
Who should have the shingles vaccine
The shingles vaccine is recommended for some older adults and people with a severely weakened immune system.
- People who turn 65 on or after 1 September 2023
- People aged 70 to 79
- People aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system
Important
You can get shingles more than once, so it's important to get vaccinated even if you've had shingles before.
Who cannot have the shingles vaccine
Most people who are eligible for the shingles vaccine can have it.
You only cannot have the vaccine if you've had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine, or an ingredient in the vaccine.
One of the shingles vaccines (called Zostavax) contains a weakened version of the virus that causes shingles. This vaccine is not suitable if you have a severely weakened immune system so you'll be given a different one (called Shingrix) instead.
Information:
Getting vaccinated if you're unwell
If you have a high temperature or feel too unwell to do your normal activities, wait until you're feeling better before having the vaccine.
Shingles vaccine ingredients
There are 2 types of shingles vaccine given in the UK. You can check the ingredients in the patient leaflets:
How to get the shingles vaccine
The Tardis Surgery will contact you when you become eligible for the shingles vaccine. This will usually be by letter, text message, phone or email.
Sometimes you might be offered the vaccine during a GP appointment you're having for another reason.
Having the shingles vaccine at the same time as other vaccines
You can get the shingles vaccine at the same time as other vaccines such as the flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine.
Side effects of the shingles vaccine
Most of the side effects of the shingles vaccine are mild and get better within 2 or 3 days.
They can include:
- swelling, itchiness, bruising or pain where the injection was given
- a headache
- an aching body
- feeling tired
- a high temperature
- shivering (chills)
More serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction are very rare. The person who vaccinates you will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.