Here at The Adam Practice we will be offering 4 different vaccinations during the Autumn/Winter Flu season, these are:
- Flu
- Shingles
- Pneumococcal
- RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) – New in 2024!
The Covid-19 boosters will also be available for eligible patients, however these are given outside of our core surgery clinics, instead provided by our Primary Care Network. Eligible patients will be contacted via central NHS service separately.
Below briefly describes each vaccine, why they are important and who is eligible:
Flu
What does this vaccine do?
Protects against the Influenza virus, which can lead to serious illness and hospitalisation in elderly and vulnerable people.
Who can have this vaccine?
Anyone over the age of 65, pregnant women, carers and those under 65 who have a medical condition which falls within the criteria, for more information please visit: The flu vaccination: who should have it and why (winter 2023 to 2024) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
How often should I have this?
Once a year during Autumn/Winter.
How is this given?
A single injection in one arm.
When will I be able to get my vaccine?
We will be running clinics across our 5 surgeries during October 24. All eligible patients will be sent an invitation via text to book online, or bookings can be made over the phone or in person. After this where stock is available we will offer the vaccine. Alternatively some pharmacies may also hold further stock.
For more information on the Flu vaccine please visit: Flu vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Shingles
What does this vaccine do?
It reduces the chances of a person getting Shingles, which is a painful condition and in serious cases can lead to hearing loss and blindness.
Who can have this vaccine?
All adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79 and those aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system.
How often should I have this?
One course of 2 injections Only
How is this given?
You’ll be offered 2 doses of the vaccine. These are given between 6 and 12 months apart. These are each a single injection in one arm.
When will I be able to get my vaccine?
If you are eligible the first dose will be offered to you at your flu vaccination appointment, as these can safely be given together or can be booked separately if preferred This vaccine can also be given alongside the Covid-19 and Pneumococcal vaccines.
For more information on the Shingles vaccine please see Shingles vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Pneumococcal
What does this vaccine do?
It helps protect against serious bacterial infections including pneumonia and meningitis.
Who can have this vaccine?
All adults turning 65, plus, children and adults at higher risk of getting seriously ill.
How often should I have this?
A single dose at 65. Some people at high risk many need repeat doses.
How is this given?
A single injection in one arm.
When will I be able to get my vaccine?
If you are eligible this will be offered to you at your flu vaccination appointment, as these can safely be given together or can be booked separately if preferred. This vaccine can also be given alongside the Covid-19 and Shingles vaccines.
For more information on the Pneumococcal vaccine please see Pneumococcal vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
RSV – New in 2024!
What is the RSV?
It is one of the common viruses that cause coughs and colds in winter. Infants under 1 year of age and the elderly are at the greatest risk of developing severe disease such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Who can have this vaccine?
Anyone aged 75 to 79* years, on or after 1 September 2024. All women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant on 1 September 2024, pregnant women will become eligible as they reach 28 weeks pregnant.
79*years – A catch up campaign is offered to eligible adults who turn 80 years of age between 2nd September 2024 and 31st August 2025.
How is this given?
A single injection in one arm.
When will I be able to get my vaccine?
We will be running two clinics at our Upton & Lifeboat Quay Surgeries during September 2024. All eligible patients will be sent an invitation via text to book online or bookings can be made over the phone or in person.
However this vaccine is not seasonal and will be offered all year-round to eligible patients. Please contact us to enquire about future clinics.
Can I have this at the same time as my Flu Vaccine?
It is not recommended to give this at the same time if you are 75yr and over, as there is some evidence that it can reduce the effectiveness of one strain in the Flu vaccine.
For more information on RSV and the vaccine against it please visit: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Clinics – 2024
RSV vaccines will be offered during September and vaccines will continue to be offered during the year.
Our Flu clinics have now finished. However where stock is available, we will offer the vaccine. Alternatively please visit your local pharmacy.
Updated December 2024.