FLU & COVID BOOSTER VACCINATIONS at Neetside Surgery - autumn 2024
THE VACCINATION PROGRAMME - WHY BOTHER?
We want to encourage all our patients to take up both the flu and Covid vaccinations if they are eligible this autumn and are able to do so.
- if you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, research shows you're more likely to be seriously ill
- getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 will provide protection for you and those around you for both these serious illnesses
- both flu and Covid are miserable illnesses; vaccination offers the best protection against the symptoms
WHAT HAPPENS THIS YEAR?
- Flu and Covid booster vaccinations will be given at Bradworthy surgery for anyone aged 65 and above, or for anyone in an eligible group. See eligibility below.
- The vaccines will be given at the same time, like last year – one in each arm.
- Patients only wanting one of the vaccines will be given that option when they book: either just flu, or just Covid.
- Patients in the qualifying groups will be sent a text in September via which they can make a booking, be informed how to book, or where to call. Alternatively, please call the surgery after 10.30am or speak to us at reception. Texts will go out in batches and over a number of days, so you may not get yours on the first day. People without mobiles will be contacted by phone, and letter if necessary once texts have gone out.
- We are unable to specify which Covid vaccine you will be given. It will be either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.
- We are only vaccinating people for Covid aged 18 and above at the surgery. For information about vaccinations for those in the under 18 age-group, please check these pages for clinic dates and venues. We will post information as we receive it.
- We are unable to give flu jabs to anyone NOT in the qualifying groups. Please go to other providers, such as pharmacies or larger supermarkets. Charges will apply.
CLINIC DATES
Clinics will be held at Neetside Methodist Church Hall by the Neetside team on the following dates:
Saturday 5th October
Saturday 19th October
Other clinics may be added if needed, after these dates. Please check here for dates.
If you are able to book in using the link sent to your phone, that would really help us. If you are booking in by phone, please always call AFTER 10.30am. Thank you.
FLU—am I in the eligible groups for a free jab?
There are two types of flu vaccines being used again this year: one for those aged 65 and above and another for those under 65. Those who qualify for a FREE jab are:
- people aged 65 and over (including those who'll be 65 by 31 March 2025)
- people who have certain health conditions. Click HERE for details.
- women who are pregnant
- people who are in long-stay residential care and care home staff
- those in receipt of carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick. If you have just become a carer, please let us know.
- people who live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
- frontline health and social care workers
We will be giving routine nasal vaccinations against flu to children aged 2 to 3 years, born between 01/09/2020 and 31/09/2022, and also those aged 6 months up to 18 years in the clinically at risk groups. Please note that if your child misses any vaccinations given at school you should call 0300 2470082 (Devon) or 01872 221105 (Cornwall) to be advised.
To find out more about the Flu vaccination programme click HERE
AUTUMN COVID BOOSTER—am I in the eligible group?
The following groups of people are eligible for a Covid booster:
- residents in a care home for older adults
- people aged 65 years and over (including those who'll be 65 by 31 March 2025)
- people aged 5 to 64 years in a clinical risk group
- frontline health and social care workers
We are still awaiting full clarification on Covid vaccination eligibility regarding frontline health and social care workers.
As we have not been commissioned to provide Covid Vaccinations to young people who are aged 5 to 17, other local clinics, or schools will be offering these. We will post these on our website and Facebook page when we are notified.
The National Booking Service (NBS) for clinics elsewhere, will be available only after 23rd September.
To find out more about the Autumn Covid Booster programme click HERE
GAPS BETWEEN VACCS
For all Covid vaccinations the gaps between boosters should be:
- Those aged 12 and above, who are immunocompromised, must have a gap of at least 3 months since their last dose, ideally 6 months.
- Those aged 65 and above must have a gap of at least 3 months since their last booster/dose, ideally 6 months.
If you have been unfortunate enough to have had a bout of Covid, you must be 28 days clear of infection before having a Covid booster, or first vaccination.
RSV - RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. It usually gets better by itself, but it can be serious for some babies and older adults, occasionally causing bronchiolitis in young children and pneumonia. From September 2024 we are now able to offer vaccinations to those who are at highest risk of serious illness from RSV infection.
We are currently inviting people in the 75 to 79 year-old age range - 75 on or after 1st September 2024 - to attend for vaccination.
Clinics will be held on 2nd September, 5th September and 9th September.
Pregnant women who are 28 weeks gestation or over will also be offered the vaccine. If you fall into this category, please speak to your midwife.
If you wish to know more about RSV and the vaccination click HERE
SHINGLES
A vaccine to prevent shingles, a common, painful skin disease has been offered to those in 70-79 age group. This is now changing with an increased roll out to those who are younger.
From 1 September 2023:
- Those aged 70-79 will still be able to get the shingles vaccine from their GP practice. They will either be offered one dose of Zostavax or two doses of Shingrix (6 to 12 months apart)
- All those aged 50 and over with a weakened immune system will be offered two doses of the Shingrix vaccine by their GP practice (8 weeks to 6 months apart).
- Those turning 65 and 70 will be offered two doses of the Shingrix vaccine (6 to 12 months apart) by their GP practice as they become eligible (eligibility will go down to 60 years old in September 2028).
Research has shown that once people turn 80 it is no longer effective.
For NHS information regarding shingles vaccinations click HERE
Dependant on age, the shingles vaccine is usually given as a single injection into the upper arm. You can have it at any time of the year.
The shingles vaccine is expected to reduce your risk of getting shingles. If you do go on to have the disease, your symptoms may be milder and the illness shorter.
Shingles can be very painful and uncomfortable. Some people are left with pain lasting for years after the initial rash has healed. Shingles is also fatal for around 1 in 1,000 over-70s who develop it.
It's fine to have the shingles vaccine if you've already had shingles. Once you've had it, you don't need to have another. The shingles vaccine works very well in people who have had shingles before and it will boost your immunity against further shingles attacks.
The surgery will be reminding patients that are eligible for this vaccine to make an appointment with the Practice Nurse. If you think you are eligible for a Shingles vaccination and haven't yet been contacted, please get in touch.
PNEUMONIA
A wealth of information about pneumonia and the vaccine you can have against it can be found at Pneumonia Aware
Like the shingles vaccination it is usually a once-only vaccination.