The NHS flu programme in England typically offers the flu vaccine to those over the age of 65, pregnant women and those with existing health conditions or weakened immune systems. These groups will remain a high priority this year, while the programme will also be extended to reach out to more people.
In a typical winter, flu is one of the biggest health concerns for many older and vulnerable people. With the additional threat of coronavirus this year, the public are being advised to take extra care to avoid both of these diseases. The government hopes for as many people as possible to receive the flu jab to reduce the risk of caregivers and healthcare workers coming under immense pressure.
Our aim at New Wokingham Road Surgery is to ensure that all of our patients who are eligible for a flu vaccination get what they are entitled to. We continue to contact those patients who have not yet had their vaccination.
Flu Vaccinations for 50-64 year olds
The government has confirmed that people aged between 50 and 64 will be invited to get their free flu vaccine from the beginning of December and into the New Year as part of this year’s expanded flu vaccination programme.
If you fall into this category, your GP surgery will contact you to organise your flu vaccination – this may take a little time but please do not contact the surgery about the jab as this could tie up the phone lines and affect urgent calls for medical help.
Information about flu vaccine supplies
For more information on why you may have been asked to wait before having your flu vaccine, please read the ‘Why am I being asked to wait to have my flu vaccine?’ information document.
External websites for further information:
- Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England –National Flu Immunisation Programme 2020 – 2021
- NHS UK Who should have the flu vaccine?
- Flu vaccine overview– NHS UK
- Children’s flu vaccine– NHS UK
- Flu vaccine FAQs – NHS UK
- Vaccination tips for parents– NHS UK