Flu Clinic Information 2020-2021

Flu Vaccinations For Those Aged 50-64

We are pleased to let you know that we have been able to order our first batch of flu vaccines for patients aged between 50-64 who don’t fall into an ‘at risk’ group, and they are due to arrive around 18th December.

It would be most helpful for our planning, if we had an idea of how many patients would like a vaccine, or who have either already had one, or don’t want one. Please could you email westongrove.flu@nhs.net to let us know. We will use this information to order further supplies and plan clinics.

As soon as the vaccine has arrived we will make appointments bookable using the Ask NHS app (available for ios and android phones via Google Play and the App Store), and will post on this Facebook page and send mjog text messages to let you know.

Please can you avoid telephoning us about this, as it makes our phone lines very busy for those patients who need clinical care. As soon as we have more news, we will let you know.

Flu Clinic Information

We will be offering a flu vaccination to all of our eligible patients this year, albeit in a slightly different way due to COVD 19 guidelines.

Although we ordered all of our flu vaccines to be delivered together at the end of September, they will now be delivered in batches, with the first delivery due w/c 28th September, and then 5 delivery dates all the way through to the last one being due w/c 16th November. These delivery dates may change, but we hope not!

The clinics will be busy and will be flu vaccinations only. We won’t be offering any other services during the clinics, and will be unable to deal with other queries. It’s very important that we keep the patient flow moving, and keep time within the building to a minimum.

Clinics will be held on Saturdays, with the first one being on Saturday 3rd October. Further dates will be available once our delivery dates are confirmed.

We will text our eligible patients, put up posters in our windows, update our website and Facebook page as soon as appointments are available to be booked.

We will be running our clinics to ensure that we follow current COVID guidelines, so they will be a little different to how they have been run in previous years:

  • All patients will be booked into a 5 minute appt slot.
  • Please don’t bring extra people with you. If you do, they will have to wait outside safely distancing from others.
  • We will hold clinics at all three of our sites, and will have a one way system with patients entering by one door and exiting through another
  • We have measured inside our building to ensure there is a clear 2m distancing queueing system for patients.
  • We ask that patients arrive for their given appointment time, as we have limited queueing space within our buildings.
  • Please be prepared to wait outside, and bring a coat or umbrella depending on the weather.
  • There will be limited car parking available in order to leave a clear area in the car park for those waiting for family or additional queuing. Please walk or use public transport if you can, or park in local roads or streets.
  • Patients will be met at the door of the building by one of our volunteers who will go through the COVID health checks with each patient, and direct you to the next free queuing spot. If you answer positive to any of the checks we will ask you to go home and arrange a COVID test, shielding whilst awaiting the results.
  • One of our team will check you in.
  • Patients will move forward using the queuing spots until they reach their turn with one of our clinical team for their vaccinations. Please use this time to remove your coat, and any additional outer garments so that your arm is available for vaccination. If you can wear a short sleeved top under your coat that will be really helpful.
  • The person giving you your vaccine will be wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). This will be an apron, a mask and a visor or goggles. They won’t be wearing gloves but will wash and sanitise their hands in between patients. This is based on current guidance for vaccination clinics. They will also have to wipe down any chair or surfaces that have been in contact with patients. If you are able to stand for your vaccine this will really help us, but a chair will be available.
  • Once you have had your vaccination one of our volunteers will show you the exit. If you feel faint or unwell at all, please let them know.

Frequently asked Questions

When will I be able to make my appointment?

We are prioritising those patients who are at the highest clinical risk of Covid-19, and we will advertise when they are able to book an appointment. Clinics will be available for at-risk patients who normally get a flu jab and these will take place mostly on Saturdays starting on 3rd October 2020. If excess stock is available we will offer some weekday flu slots.

What about children who are 2 and 3-year-olds and children in clinical risk groups from age 4 to 17 years? When can I book their appointment, and will I be able to come with them?

We are able to order the vaccine in September. Once we know when it will be delivered, we will contact parents via text message and publicise dates on our website and Facebook page. One parent can stay with their child for the vaccination.

I am age 50 – 64, when can I book my appointment?

The delivery of the flu jab to patients who are not at-risk, but who are aged 50 – 64, is due to be rolled out in November and December subject to vaccine supply. You will not be able to book into a clinic before then at the surgery. Again, we will publicise when you can book on our website and Facebook page, once we have received guidance from NHS England.

What do I need to do?

Please wear a short sleeve top so that the clinician has easy access to your arm. You will be asked to remove any outer garments at the entrance. Wear a face mask, ensure you wash your hands before and after your appointment, DO NOT attend if you or a close contact have symptoms of COVID-19, or have had contact with a suspected/confirmed case.

How do I make my appointment?

We are providing 5 minute appointments. Please do not arrive early for your appointment or you will have to queue outside of the building for longer. We must limit the number of people in the Practice at any one time to keep everyone safe.

How is this different to normal?

When you arrive at the side door, your details will be checked by a member of the reception team. You will be asked to remove your outer clothing so that your arm is available for the flu jab. You will be directed via a one-way system through the practice to a clinical room.

Where can I park?

The Practice car park will have limited space. Please use public transport, walk or use other local parking if possible..

What can I do if I would like to talk to a clinician about another health concern?

The clinic is just for your flu vaccination. Please book a separate appointment if you need to speak with a member of the team.

What do I do after I’ve had my vaccination?

Please leave the practice as directed by the staff as soon as you have received your flu jab. You will not be able to stay onsite because we must limit the number of people in the building to maintain social distancing. If you feel unwell as a result of the flu jab please let a member of staff know.

Who is eligible for a flu vaccination this year?

NHS: Flu Vaccine

In 20/21, flu vaccinations will be offered under the NHS Flu vaccination programme to the following groups:

Those aged 6 months to less than 65 years of age, in a clinical at risk group such as:

  • Chronic (long term) respiratory disease, such as severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) of bronchitis
  • Chronic heart disease such as heart failure
  • Chronic kidney disease at stage 3,4 or 5
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Chronic neurological disease, such as Parkinson’s disease or motor neurone disease
  • Learning Disability
  • Diabetes
  • Splenic dysfunction or asplenia
  • A weakened immune system due to disease (such as HIV / AIDS) or treatment (such as cancer treatment)
  • Morbidly obese (defined as BMI of 40 and above)

All children age 2-11 (but not 12 years or older) on 31st August 2020

People aged 65 years or over (including those becoming 65 years by 31st March 2021)

All pregnant women (including those who become pregnant during the flu season

Household contact of those on the NHS Shielded Patient List, or of immunocompromised individuals, specifically individuals who expect to share living accommodation with a shielded patient on most days over the winter and therefore for whom continuing close contact is unavoidable.

People living in long stay residential care homes or other long stay care facilities where rapid spread is likely to follow introduction of infection and cause high morbidity and mortality. This does not include, for instance, prisons, young offender institutions, university halls of residence, or boarding schools (except where children are of primary school age or secondary school Year 7).
Those who are in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or who are the main carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill

Health and social care staff, employed by a registered residential care/nursing home or registered domiciliary care provider, who are directly involved in the care of vulnerable patients/clients who are at increased risk from exposure to influenza.

Individuals aged between 50-64 years, following prioritisation of other eligible groups and subject to vaccine.

External websites for further information: