Protect Yourself This Season: Your Guide to the Autumn/Winter Flu Jab

Posted by: modupefield - Posted on:

Hello valued patient,

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, it’s time to think about staying well for the autumn and winter months ahead. At The New Surgery, we are ready for the annual flu vaccination programme, and we want to ensure you have all the information you need to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Influenza (flu) is more than just a bad cold; it’s a highly infectious illness that can lead to serious complications, especially for those who are most vulnerable. Getting vaccinated is the single most effective way to reduce your risk of getting the flu and spreading it to others.

Are You Eligible for a Free NHS Flu Jab?

The NHS provides a free flu vaccine to those at higher risk. You are likely eligible for a free jab if you fall into one of the following categories:

  • All children aged 2 or 3 years old (on 31 August 2024).
  • All primary school-aged children (Reception to Year 6).
  • All adults aged 65 and over (born on or before 31 March 1960).
  • Pregnant women.
  • Those with long-term health conditions, such as:
    • Asthma (requiring an inhaler)
    • COPD, Emphysema, or Bronchitis
    • Heart Disease
    • Kidney or Liver Disease
    • Diabetes
    • A weakened immune system (e.g., due to HIV, chemotherapy, or long-term steroid use)
    • Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s or Motor Neurone Disease
    • Learning Disabilities
    • Severe Mental Illness
  • Frontline health or social care workers.
  • Unpaid carers.
  • People living in long-stay residential care homes.

Unsure if you qualify? Please don’t hesitate to contact us—our team will be happy to help.

How to Get Your Flu Jab at The New Surgery

We’ve made the process as simple as possible:

  1. Book Your Appointment: You will receive an invitation from us via text, letter, or a phone call. You can also book your appointment online via our website or the NHS App, or by calling the practice directly.
  2. Attend Your Appointment: Please arrive on time for your scheduled slot. Wear clothing that allows easy access to your upper arm.
  3. It’s Quick & Effective: The vaccination itself only takes a moment. It takes about 10-14 days for your body to build full protection, which is why getting it early in the season is so important.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • “Can the flu jab give me the flu?” No. The vaccine does not contain a live virus, so it cannot give you the flu. You might experience a mild sore arm, a slight temperature, or tiredness for a day or two as your immune system responds, but this is a normal sign that the vaccine is working.
  • “I had the jab last year, do I need it again?” Yes. The flu virus changes every year, and the protection from the vaccine declines over time. This year’s vaccine is specifically formulated to protect against the latest circulating strains.
  • “When is the best time to get vaccinated?” The ideal time is from October through to early December, before the flu virus starts to circulate widely.

A Final Word

By getting your flu jab, you are not only protecting your own health but also helping to protect those around you who may be more vulnerable, including elderly relatives, young children, and those with chronic illnesses.

Let’s work together to keep our community healthy this winter.

With best wishes for a healthy season,

The Team at The New Surgery