More people than ever are eligible for a free flu vaccination this year
This year, with the complication of COVID-19 circulating at the same time, people are urged to have the vaccine in order to protect themselves and the NHS.
Children aged 2 and 3 years old, plus all primary school aged children and school year 7 in secondary school, will be offered the free nasal spray vaccination. The adult flu vaccine is offered free to:
- Pregnant women
- Those aged 65 or over
- Those aged under 65 with long-term conditions (for a full eligibility list see the Clinical Commissioning Group website)
- Carers
- Shielded patients and those in the same household aged 18 or over
Dependent on adequate supply of vaccine, 50 - 64 year olds (who do not have long term conditions, are not shielded, are not carers and have not previously been eligible) will be invited to receive a free jab around November/December, but no appointments will be available to this age group before then.
To maintain COVID safety, flu vaccination clinics may be held in a slightly different way this year.
If you are eligible for a free flu vaccination, you can get it at local participating pharmacies as well as your GP surgery. If you do not fall within the eligible categories for a free NHS vaccination you will be able to buy a flu vaccination from your local participating pharmacy at a small cost.
Flu vaccination clinics at Rutland GP practices
Uppingham Surgery and Empingham Medical Centre will be inviting you by text, email or telephone to attend at a specific date and time. Strict social distancing measures will be in place and separate clinics will be held for shielded patients.
Oakham Medical Practice and Market Overton and Somerby Surgeries are providing flu vaccination clinics every Saturday and on some weekdays through October to December 2020 at Oakham Medical Practice. Strict social distancing measures will be in place and you can watch a step by step video guide to understand what to expect at the appointment.
If you are aged 65 or over, you can book into a clinic online or by telephone.
If you are aged 64 or under and eligible for a free NHS vaccine (i.e. have a long-term medical condition) you should telephone to make your appointment.
