Flu
As autumn approaches now is the time to start thinking about getting the annual flu jab. This year it is more important than ever that eligble patients get their flu jab, amidst concerns around the still-present coronavirus.
The NHS flu programme in England typically offers the flu vaccine to those over the age of 65, pregnant women and those with existing health conditions or weakened immune systems. These groups will remain a high priority this year, while the programme will also be extended to reach out to more people
In a typical winter, flu is one of the biggest health concerns for many older and vulnerable people. With the additional threat of coronavirus this year, the public are being advised to take extra care to avoid both of these diseases. The government hopes for as many people as possible to receive the flu jab to reduce the risk of caregivers and healthcare workers coming under immense pressure.
We will be holding our Flu Clinics in the coming weeks and months. Due to the current COVID-19 situation they will operate in a slightly different way to previous years to protect our patients and staff.
This year, to manage the flow of patients and keep everyone safe, flu clinics will be by appointment only. There will be no drop in clinics this year. If you are eligible for an annual NHS flu vaccine please ring 0161 4459000 any weekday between 14:00 and 18:30 to book an appointment. If you are in a clinical priority group – shielding patients and over 65s with at least one long term condition – please ring to book in as soon as possible to ensure you get an early appointment.
This year the flu vaccine is being offer on the NHS to:
- Adults 65 and over
- People with [certain medical conditions|https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/who-should-have-flu-vaccine/](including children in at-risk groups from 6 months)
- Pregnant women
- People living with someone who’s at high risk from coronavirus (on the NHS shielded patient list)
- Children aged 2 and 3 on 31 August 2020
- Children in Primary School ( these are given at primary school by a separate service)
- Children in Year 7 ( these are given at secondary school by a separate service)
- Frontline health or social care workers ( these are given by their employers)
Flu Jabs for patients aged 50 – 64
Clinics for the new 2020 cohort of eligible patients aged 50-64, who do not have an ‘at risk condition’ www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/who-should-have-flu-vaccine are not available yet, but will likely follow in the next few months. These dates and times will be announced on our website in due course.