We are currently offering flu vaccination appointments for all our patients within the ‘at risk’ group.

To ease the booking of flu vaccinations for patients and staff, we are offering patients who are eligible for a flu vaccine (please see criteria below), to book their appointment online where possible.

We have allocated separate clinics for over 65 and under 65 years of age. We kindly ask all patients to book their appointments in the appropriate clinics available, and not to book into clinics that are not within their age group. The purpose of this is due to the specific flu vaccine being given. We will be running two Saturday clinics, 19 September 2020 and 10 October 2020. These are now available to book online.

Thank you for your continued help and support.

Am I at increased risk from the effects of flu?

Flu can affect anyone but if you have a long-term health condition the effects of flu can make it worse even if the condition is well managed and you normally feel well. You should have the free flu vaccine if you are:

• Pregnant or have a long term condition e.g. a heart problem
• A chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including bronchitis, emphysema or severe asthma
• A kidney disease
• Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment)
• Liver disease
• Had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
• Diabetes
• A neurological condition, eg multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy
• A learning disability
• A problem with your spleen, eg sickle cell disease, or you have had your spleen removed
• Are seriously overweight (BMI of 40 and above)

People on the NHS Shielded Patient List for COVID-19 are all eligible for a free flu vaccine and it is really important this year that they receive it.

This list of conditions isn’t definitive. It’s always an issue of clinical judgement. Your GP can assess you to take into account the risk of flu making any underlying illness you may have worse, as well as your risk of serious illness from flu itself.