As we approach flu vaccine season we just wanted to update you all on Flu and COVID vaccinations this Autumn & Winter.

Flu Vaccines

We will begin our flu vaccinations at the end of September and invites will be sent once we have our supply of vaccine and our clinic times are confirmed. Eligible patients will receive invitations via text message in due course.

COVID Vaccine Boosters

This year we will be able to offer eligible patients a COVID Booster vaccine at the same time as their flu vaccine at the surgery. Eligible patients will receive invitations via text message in due course. COVID Booster vaccines will also be offered via Southam Clinic, but Flu vaccines cannot be given at the same time at Southam Clinic, and your flu vaccine will need to be booked at the surgery separately.

Therefore for your COVID Booster you will have 2 options:

1. Wait for your invite from the surgery and have your Flu and COVID Booster vaccinations together - due to start end of September

2. Book a COVID Booster only at Southam Clinic by calling 01926 962 718, but you will need to book your Flu vaccine separately at the surgery

Once our clinic dates are confirmed we will begin sending invites later this month and we will also issue updates via our website.

Who is Eligible for the Flu and COVID Booster Vaccines?

• Adults aged 50 and over

• Adults 18+ Who have certain health conditions, including

  • Asthma (requiring daily inhalers), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Chronic heart disease such as heart failure

  • Chronic kidney disease

  • Chronic liver disease

  • Diabetes

  • Parkinson’s Disease, Motor Neuron disease, Multiple Sclerosis

  • a significant learning disability

  • Problems with your spleen (e.g. splenectomy)

  • Being seriously overweight (a BMI of 40 or above)

  • Weakened immune system (e.g. HIV, AIDS)

• are pregnant

• are in long-stay residential care

• receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick

• live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

• are frontline health workers

• are social care workers who cannot get the vaccine through an occupational health scheme at work