Vaccination Information
Winter Vaccination Update for patients
Cold weather can be hard on our health, so it’s really important we take steps to look after ourselves and each other during the winter months. Both flu and Covid-19 are serious illnesses and it is important to protect yourself against them this winter, by having both your Covid-19 and flu vaccinations. They will offer you the best protection this winter.
Both flu and Covid-19 are serious illnesses and it is important to protect yourself against them this winter, by having both your Covid-19 and flu vaccinations. They will offer you the best protection this winter.
Scroll down for information about Winter Flu and Spring COVID-19 booster eligibilty and how to book appointments.
Flu vaccination is important because, while flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life threatening for some people.
Our Nurse Practitioner, Rosie explains why getting an annual flu vaccination is important, especially for older people, pregnant women, children and those with certain health conditions.
Winter 2023 Flu Vaccination Information for Patients - updated 15th March 2024
While we have completed our scheduled clinics, eligible patients may contact us to book an appointment with a member of our nursing team to receive a Winter Flu vaccination.
The NHS have advised that the following patients are eligible for a free flu vaccination between September 2023-March 2024:
- patients 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
- patients who have certain health conditions
- patients who are pregnant
- patients in long-stay residential care
- Patients who receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
- Patients who live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
Help yourself and others in the Lyme Bay community by topping up your immunity this winter.
For further information about flu and why it is important to have a flu vaccine, please visit the NHS website by following this link>>
Spring COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Information for patients - updated 15th March 2024
We are unable to offer a COVID-19 booster vaccination, but can share the following information for our patients:
You may be offered a spring COVID-19 vaccine from April 2024 if you:
- are aged 75 years old or over *
- live in a care home for older adults
- are aged 6 months old or over and have a weakened immune system.
* This includes people who turn 75 years old by 30 June 2024 who will be eligible for a vaccination at any point in the campaign. People who are admitted to an older adult care home or become immunosuppressed by 30 June are also eligible.
You will be contacted by the Dorset Vaccination Service if your NHS record suggests you may be eligible for a seasonal spring COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccination against Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine.
It protects against 3 serious illnesses:
These highly infectious conditions can easily spread between unvaccinated people. In particular, measles is one of the world’s most infectious diseases with estimates showing that one infected adult or child can pass the disease onto around 15 other unvaccinated people.
Getting vaccinated is important, as these conditions can also lead to serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.
2 doses of the MMR vaccine provide the best protection against measles, mumps and rubella.
Follow this link to visit the NHS website for information on how to check if you or your child has measles>>
Childhood Immunisation
Childhood immunisation is an important aspect of your child's healthcare. For information on routine childhood immunisation, please visit our Children's Health page by following this link:>>
Travel Vaccinations
Foreign travel may expose patients to certain infections. So, If you're planning to travel outside the UK, find out what vaccinations you might need on our Travel Health page by following this link:>>
Shingles Vaccinations
The eligibility for a free NHS Shingles vaccine changed from the 1st of September 2023
The Shingles vaccine helps protect you from shingles, a common, painful skin disease.
Previously, you could only have the shingles vaccine between the ages of 70 and 79. However anyone turning 65 on or after the 1st of September 2023 is able to get the vaccine after their birthday.
Please note that if you have your 65th birthday before the 1st of September 2023, you will have to wait until you are 70 to become eligible. Eligibility will then be expanded to include everyone aged 60 and over by September 2033.
From September, the shingles vaccine will also be available to those aged 50 or over with a severely weakened immune system. Immunocompromised individuals who have already received 2 doses of their Shingles Vaccine do not need re-vaccination.
You do not need to get in touch with us to request a shingles vaccine as patients are contacted when they become eligible. However if you are eligible and think you may have missed your vaccine, please contact us>>
The shingles vaccine is given as a single injection into the upper arm. Unlike the flu jab, you’ll only need to have the vaccination once, and you can have it at any time of the year.
For more information visit the Shingles vaccine overview page on the NHS website>>
Pneumococcal vaccine for over 65s
Protection against serious and potentially fatal pneumococcal infections.
A pneumococcal infection can affect anyone. But some people such as adults aged 65 or over are at higher risk of serious illness.
The pneumococcal vaccine protects against serious and potentially fatal pneumococcal infections. It's also known as the pneumonia vaccine.
Pneumococcal infections are caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae and can lead to pneumonia, blood poisoning (sepsis) and meningitis.
People aged 65 and over only need a single pneumococcal vaccination. This vaccine is not given annually like the flu jab. For more information visit the Pneumococcal vaccine overview page on the NHS website:>>
Men ACWY Vaccination
A rare but life-threatening disease caused by meningococcal bacteria.
Meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) is a rare but life-threatening disease caused by meningococcal bacteria.
Older teenagers and new university students are at higher risk of infection because many of them mix closely with lots of new people, some of whom may unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria at the back of their nose and throat.
"Fresher" students going to university for the first time should make sure they've had the MenACWY vaccine to prevent meningitis and septicaemia, which can be deadly. The MenACWY vaccine is also routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10.
Anyone born on or after 1 September 1996 who was eligible but missed their teenage MenACWY vaccine can still have the vaccine up to their 25th birthday. For more information visit the MenACWY vaccine overview page on the NHS website:>>.