Flu Vaccination Campaign 2021/2022

As autumn approaches in the coming months, now is the time to start thinking about getting the annual flu jab. This year, the free jab will be offered to more people amidst concerns around the still-present coronavirus.

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.

Flu Clinics 2021/2022

We will be holding our Flu Clinics over the next few months. Due to the current COVID-19 situation they will operate in a slightly different way to previous years to protect our patients and staff.

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to people who:

  • are 50 and over (including those who’ll be 50 by 31 March 2022)
  • have certain health conditions
  • 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 infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
  • frontline health or social care workers
  • have a serious long-term health condition, including:
    • respiratory conditions, such as asthma (needing steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and bronchitis
    • diabetes
    • heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
    • being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
    • chronic kidney disease
    • liver disease, such as hepatitis
    • neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsy
    • a learning disability
    • problems with your spleen, for example, sickle cell disease, or if you have had your spleen removed
    • a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or taking medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy

The Medici Medical Practice is offering flu vaccines appointments from 04/10/2021, for people in these cohorts. Please contact the surgery to arrange an appointment.

For patients aged 50 – 64 years old without a pre-existing medical condition, please contact your local pharmacy to arrange your free vaccination.

Flu vaccinations for children aged 2-3 years can be done at the practice. All other child age groups will be done via the school nursing teams.

Flu vaccine and coronavirus (COVID-19)

Flu vaccination is important because:

  • more people are likely to get flu this winter as fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • if you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, research shows you’re more likely to be seriously ill
  • getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 will provide protection for you and those around you for both these serious illnesses
  • If you’ve had COVID-19, it’s safe to have the flu vaccine. It will still be effective at helping to prevent flu.

External websites for further information: