• turn 75 years of age on or after the 1^st September 2024
• are already aged 75 to 79 years old on 1^st September 2024

Most eligible people won't be offered NHS flu jabs until 3rd October this year, NHS England have decided.  This is for GP Practices and Pharmacies. 

In previous years, flu vaccinations have been offered from September.

The change in timings follows clinical advice from the Government's independent clinical advisors, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, that starting later would be better for patients. 

This is because the positive effect of the flu vaccine will increase people's protection from flu viruses which reduces over time following the vaccination.

Getting the vaccination at a slightly later time will make it more likely that the person's immune response to the virus is higher when flu virus levels are at their highest. 

With this in mind Seaside Medical Centre will be starting their vaccination programme on Saturday 5th October.  This clinic will be for over and under 65's. Further clinics will be available subject to patient demand.  Please ring the Practice if you have any questions or would like to book your flu vaccination this year. 

Yes. If you are aged 65 years or over or you are at higher risk

Who is at risk?

• If you are aged 65 years or over or if you are on regular inhaled steroids
• If you have a chronic respiratory disease (including asthma)
• If you have chronic heart disease
• If you have chronic renal disease
• If you are diabetic
• If you have a weak immune system
• If you live in a long-stay residential or nursing home
• If you have a chronic liver disease
• If you are a carer

Everybody aged 65 and over should now be immunised to help protect them against pneumococcal infection which can cause diseases such as pneumonia, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and meningitis. Please phone the surgery during September to make an appointment if the above applies to you.