This year, more than ever, it is vital for those in eligible groups to be vaccinated against Influenza. As well as providing some protection to the vaccinated individuals, higher rates of vaccination in the community will reduce the levels of circulating Influenza, helping to protect the vulnerable and reduce pressure on NHS services.
This year, your GP Practice is offering the Infuenza vaccine to the following groups and we aiming to vaccinate as soon as possible after our stock of vaccines arrive:
- Age 65 and over (you will be age 65 or over on 31st March 2021)
- Clinical at risk groups age 6 months to 64 years
- Children age 2 or 3 on 31st August 2020
- Household contact of those who were on the NHS Shielded Patient List
In addition the following groups will be offered the vaccine through alternative channels
- Primary school age children and children in year 7 (not already falling into the "clinical at risk groups") - to be vaccinated at school.
- Pregnant women - to be vaccinated through the midwifery teams
- Frontline health and social care workers - to be vaccinated through their employer
It is hoped that from November/December 2020 the Influenza vaccination programme will be extended to 50-64 year olds, if vaccine availability allows. We are awaiting further information and guidance from NHS England about how this might be offered.
At Mowbray Square Medical Centre we have been working hard to plan a safe and efficient system to vaccinate the eligible patients of all three Practices. We are planning a number of Saturday and evening clinics over the coming weeks.
Eligible patients will receive an invitation letter through the post. This is a unique patient-specific letter and it is important that you read it carefully. It will give you a designated vaccination time to attend Mowbray Square Medical Centre. If you are unable to attend your appointment or wish to decline the Influenza vaccine, please follow the instructions on your letter.
On the day of your appointment please walk to the surgery if possible to leave the car park free for those less mobile. Please do not attend the surgery if you or a member of your household have COVID symptoms, have been advised to self isolate or are waiting for COVID test results. We will be operating a socially distanced one way system and there will be members of staff available to direct you around the building.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate our way through this mass vaccination programme during these challenging times. We hope the process will be as straight forward as possible and appreciate you supporting your GP Practice by having your vaccination with us