Important Update on Flu and COVID Vaccinations

Patients invited to book their flu and COVID vaccinations

We are now preparing for the winter vaccination programme and contacting patients who are eligible for the flu and COVID vaccines this year. 

Eligible patients will receive a text from the practice with a booking link, which you can click to choose an appointment time. 

Our Head of Nursing and Quality, Kathryn Dalby-Walsh, said, “Please look out for our text messages, which will invite you to book your appointments via a clickable link. We strongly encourage all our patients who are eligible for the flu and COVID vaccinations to book their vaccine appointments as soon as possible. Our vaccination clinics start on 1st October, so booking promptly means you will be protected from serious illness as soon as possible.”

We are asking patients to please bear the following important points in mind: 

• If you are eligible for a vaccination and we have your mobile telephone number we will send you a text, which will include a direct booking link that you can use to make your appointment. 
• The booking link expires after 7 days so please use it as soon as you get chance (see below for what to do if it expires) 
• If you need help with using the booking link, please visit one of our digital health drop in sessions. More details about these are available here
• If you receive a booking link and it expires or if we do not have a mobile phone number listed for you please contact the practice to book your appointment. Use our special winter vaccination telephone number, 01373 301300. 
• You might receive an invite via the National Booking System. You do not need to use the National Booking System to book a flu or COVID vaccination. If you do use this system you will not be given an option to book your vaccines with the practice. 
• If you are eligible for the flu vaccination and COVID vaccination we can give you both these vaccines at the same time. 
• Vaccinations start on 1st October but we encourage you to book your appointment as soon as you can. 
• We will be in touch with housebound patients and patients in care homes to arrange your vaccinations.
• We are responsible for vaccinating children age 2, age 3 and those who are at clinical risk aged 6 months to under 18. Children from Reception Year to Year 11 are vaccinated by the School Immunisation Team. 

The details of each of the vaccines are listed below:

Flu vaccinations

Who is eligible for the flu vaccination?

• Patients aged 65 and over
• Patients with certain long term health conditions 
• Pregnant women 
• Patients living in care home
• Patients living with someone who has a weakened immune system 
• Main carers for an older or disabled person or receive a carer’s allowance
• All children aged 2 or 3 years old on 31st August 2026, school aged children (Reception to Year 11), all children in clinical risk groups from 6 months to less than 18 years old 

Further information about flu

You can find out more about flu and flu vaccinations on the NHS website

COVID vaccinations

Who is eligible for the COVID vaccination? 

• Patients aged 75 years and over
• Residents in a care home for older adults
• Patients aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed

Further information about COVID

You can find out more about COVID and COVID vaccinations on the NHS website

Published: Aug 10, 2026