Influenza vaccinations will be available from the end of September at the surgery. Please call to make your appointment if you are in any of the following groups;

• Aged 65 or over
• Are Pregnant
• Have certain medical conditions
• Are a registered carer

Please note that people in the 50-64 year old age group will not be vaccinated at the surgery this year

Frequently Asked questions
Why were there not plans to secure enough vaccines for everyone who wants one?
1, Vaccines are a biological product with a very limited shelf life and very strict temperature storage requirements.
2, Vaccines cannot be stored for long periods.
3, Last years vaccine will not work this year because strains mutate every year – so we cannot stock pile vaccines.
4, Seasonal flu vaccines are planned purchase and vaccines are tailor made each year. In the past the system could cope with small numbers of patients changing their mind late in the season.
5, Patients in the at risk groups as defined by the Department of Health before Easter were all asked to indicate whether they wished to be included in the flu vaccination campaign this year and our vaccine order was sized accordingly.

Please do not blame the receptionist or clinical staff for your inability to obtain a vaccine. All patients in the declared at risk groups at order of closing date were offered a vaccine and our order was scaled accordingly.