Flu Vaccinations

Am I eligible for the free vaccination this year?

• All patients aged 65 years and over on 31 March 2024.
• Patients with Chronic disease aged 6 months and over, including:
  • Respiratory disease
  • heart disease
  • kidney disease
  • liver disease
  • neurological disease
• Patients with Diabetes aged 6 months and over
• Patients with Immunosuppression aged 6 months and over
• Patients with Asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen aged 6 months and over
• Pregnant women -at any stage of pregnancy as flu infection increases the chances of pregnant women and their babies needing intensive care, more information can be found here
• Patients with a BMI > 40 kg/m2 (adults aged 16+)
• Carers (paid or unpaid)
• Patients who are Close/Household contacts of immunocompromised individuals aged 6 months and over
• People in long-stay residential or homes
• Frontline workers without employer led occupational health schemes including locum GPs

For more information please view this document detailing the eligible groups. If you think you are in an eligible category but that may not be documented on our medical records system then please get in touch via cricketfield.admin@nhs.net to let us know why you would be eligible for the flu vaccination. This will be clinically reviewed and our records updated if necessary.

Flu Eligibility Criteria 2023/24

Flu is a highly infectious disease with symptoms that come on very quickly. The most common symptoms of flu are fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness. Healthy individuals usually recover within 2 to 7 days, but for some the disease can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability or even death. Flu vaccines help protect you and your loved ones against the main types of flu virus circulating.

Can I book an appointment to have my vaccination now?

Yes. If possible, please send us an Online Patient Enquiry if you wish to book a flu vaccination. Only call us if you so not have access to the internet. If you’re booking another routine appointment with a Nurse then ask if a flu vaccination can be given at the same time.

Why should I get vaccinated?

Flu Vaccination – Who needs it and why

Flu Vaccination – Easy ReadVersion

5 Reasons to get your child vaccinated

Why should I get vaccinated at The Surgery?

The Surgery knows who could have a vaccine based on their age, health and risks and purchases flu vaccines for you and your family members who fall into these groups. While you may of course make a choice to have  a vaccine elsewhere, we  hope that you will come to us for a variety of benefits to both you and ourselves. When we vaccinate you against flu we also obtain vital other data that is necessary for your medical record and care. Our aim is to ensure your health and wellbeing at all times not just for the flu season.