Vaccine News

COVID-19 vaccines Autumn Booster available from 1st October 26

The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for a smaller group of people, including:

Health conditions and treatments that mean you're eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine

You may be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine if you have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment. This can include if you:

  • have or had blood cancer, such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma
  • have had an organ transplant, bone marrow transplant or stem cell transplant
  • have HIV
  • have a genetic disorder that affects your immune system, such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)
  • are having or recently had chemotherapy, biological therapy or radiotherapy
  • are taking steroid medicine (depending on the dose)
  • are having long term immunosuppressive treatment for a condition such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), scleroderma or psoriasis

This list is a summary and does not include everything. Speak to us if you’re not sure if you’re eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Further information about COVID-19 vaccine eligibility

*Please note: If you are visiting for a nurse appointment it may be possible to have your flu vaccine at the same time but COVID-19 vaccines can only be given in a covid vaccine clinic, as there are 5 doses in each vial.

 

Flu vaccine available from 1st October 26

The flu vaccine helps protect against flu, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness. It’s offered on the NHS every year in autumn or winter to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.

Who should have the flu vaccine

The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.

It’s offered on the NHS every year in autumn or winter.

You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:

Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer

Having the flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines

You can have the flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines such as the COVID-19, pneumococcal and shingles vaccines.

It’s not usually given at the same time as the RSV vaccine, but you can have them at the same time if a doctor or nurse thinks it’s needed.

 

If you are 75 or over you can book your Flu and COVID-19 vaccination online

If you are under 75 but you are eligible due to meeting the criteria above, you should receive and invitation from us by text message, email, or telephone.

 

RSV Vaccines available all year

RSV vaccines protect against Respiratory Syncytial Virus. This will become part of the routine vaccination programme and will be offered to patients who turn 75 in their birthday year.

You can get a free RSV vaccination on the NHS if:

Further information about the RSV vaccine can be found here

 

Pneumococcal Vaccines available all year

The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against serious illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis. It’s recommended for people at higher risk of these illnesses, such as babies and adults aged 65 and over. Further information about Pneumococcal vaccine can be found here

 

Shingles Vaccines available all year

The shingles vaccine helps protect against shingles. It’s recommended for all adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79 and those aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system. Further information about Shingles can be found here

 

Don’t forget your travel vaccines!

Please collect a travel form from reception or download a copy from the leaflet section of our website. Once complete, please return the form to the practice and make an appointment to see the nurse for advice at least 8 weeks before you travel. We have limited capacity to offer travel advice, information can be found at the professional website Travel Health Pro

A minimum of 8 weeks’ notice is required as we may need to order vaccines for you and certain medications need to be taken two weeks before travel, however for those with a multi-stop itinerary please note that a minimum of 12 weeks’ notice is required.

Helpful information can be found at: www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home

Services are also available from Exeter Travel Clinic The Southwest’s Travel Health Specialist | Exeter Travel Clinic