Flu vaccination is important because, while flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life-threatening for some people, particularly those with certain health conditions.  That’s why people at increased risk from flu are strongly encouraged to have their free NHS winter flu vaccination every year.

Please can we remind our patients that if you are eligible your GP Surgery has bought and allocated these vaccinations for you.  Having your jab at your GP surgery helps them. 

Who is eligible?

• Aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025)
• Aged 18-64 years of age considered at risk (meet eligibility criteria outlined by the NHS*)
• Live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a health condition or weakened immune system
• Pregnant
• Receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk
• Frontline health workers and social care workers who cannot get the vaccine through an occupational health scheme at work.

 * To establish if you are in an at risk group please download NHS Flu Risk Group information by following this link>>

What do I need to do?

While we have completed our scheduled clinics, eligible patients may contact us to book an appointment with a member of our nursing team to receive a Winter Flu vaccination.  

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious lung infections.

While RSV infection can occur at any age, the risk and severity of RSV and its complications are increased in older adults pregnant women and infants, having a considerable impact on these individuals and NHS services during the winter months.

Following guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), in June HM Government announced a vaccination delivery  programme will commence from 1 September 2024, for the protection of older adults, women who are at least 28 weeks pregrant and for infants.

Who is eligible?

Programme for older adults aged 75 to 79 years old

All adults turning 75 years old on or after 1 September 2024 will be eligible for the routine programme and will be offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine on or after their 75th birthday.  

In the meantime, a one-off catch-up campaign for those already aged 75 to 79 years old on 1 September 2024 will be undertaken at the earliest opportunity with the aim of completing the majority by 31 August 2025.

In line with JCVI guidance, individuals will remain eligible until their 80th birthday. 

Programme for pregnant women to protect infants

All women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant on 1 September 2024, will be offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine, by the GP Practices in our network. After that, pregnant women will become eligible as they reach 28 weeks gestation and remain eligible up to birth.  

What happens next?

The Verwood Surgery plans is inviting eligible patients to take up the offer a free NHS vaccine.  If you are in one of the eligible groups and have not taken up the invite, please contact us.  

The Shingles vaccine helps protect you from shingles, a common, painful skin disease.

Previously, you could only have the shingles vaccine between the ages of 70 and 79. However anyone turning 65 on or after the 1^st of September 2023 is able to get the vaccine after their birthday.

Please note that if you have your 65th birthday before the 1st of September 2023, you will have to wait until you are 70 to become eligible.  Eligibility will then be expanded to include everyone aged 60 and over by September 2033.

Follow this link to download and view the NHS Shingles Vaccination expansion programme schedule for information on when your age group will become eligible>>

From September, the shingles vaccine will also be available to those aged 50 or over with a severely weakened immune system.  Immunocompromised individuals who have already received 2 doses of their Shingles Vaccine do not need re-vaccination.

You do not need to get in touch with us to request a shingles vaccine as patients are contacted  when they become eligible.  However if you are eligible and think you may have missed your vaccine, please contact us>>

The shingles vaccine is given as a single injection into the upper arm. Unlike the flu jab, you’ll only need to have the vaccination once, and you can have it at any time of the year.  

For more information visit the Shingles vaccine overview page on the NHS website>>

Protection against serious and potentially fatal pneumococcal infections.

A rare but life-threatening disease caused by meningococcal bacteria.

Childhood immunisation is an important aspect of your child's healthcare.  For information on routine childhood immunisation, please visit our Children's Health page by following this link:>>

Foreign travel may expose patients to certain infections.  So, If you're planning to travel outside the UK, find out what vaccinations you might need on our Travel Health page by following this link:>>

This guide can help you understand the vaccines offered in the UK and when to have them. It also explains how they work and why they’re safe and important.  Follow this link for more information about vaccinations from NHS UK>>

If you have any questions or concerns regarding vaccinations, please contact us.