50 – 64 years Flu Vaccinations – Government Recommendation
The next flu clinic for the
50 – 64 years old
will be held on
Saturday 12th December 2020
This will be invitation only by text/letter.
Unfortunately due to the limited supply of vaccines
we can only invite a limited number of patients to this clinic
Please do not bring other people along to this clinic for a vaccination,
if they have not received a text/letter
Please refer to the website regarding future clinics for when the vaccines become available.
Covid-19 Vaccination Programme
The Government has asked the NHS to get ready for a Covid-19 vaccination programme so we can begin offering the vaccine as soon as is it is available.
This is not likely to be in the next few days or weeks, however, and no timeline has yet been set.
Although a vaccine has not yet been approved for use in the UK, we are however, looking at how we might prioritise its delivery when it is.
This might mean that we prioritise the use of the test so that a smaller numbers of people – who are considered the most vulnerable – will be vaccinated first, with others being offered the vaccine in the new year.
The NHS will follow clinical guidance for who will be vaccinated first. Although there has been a recent and encouraging announcement about the use of a vaccine recently, there is currently no timeline for the roll-out of a vaccine and we will update our information as it becomes available.
In the meantime, we are encouraging people to have their flu vaccination as soon as possible in preparation for this winter. By protecting yourself against the flu virus, you will be also protecting family and friends.
Who will get the vaccine?
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recently published updated advice on the priority groups to receive COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available, advising that vaccines should first be given to care home residents and staff, followed by people aged over 80 and health and social workers, before being rolled out to the rest of the population in order of age and risk.
The JCVI will continue to update its advice as more information becomes available on vaccine effectiveness, safety and clinical characteristics. This will in turn be reflected in the NHS’s plans.
Reflecting on the past six months during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we have remained open for your
healthcare needs by providing access in a new way.
We are now starting to reflect on the past six months and wanted to share some of the data with you (March 2020 – September 2020), to show how we are still here for you when you need us.
Download the Practice Covid19 Activity Data Poster.
Join a COVID-19 clinical trial
The PRINCIPLE trial aims to find treatments that reduce hospital admission and improve symptoms for people with COVID-19.
You could be eligible to join if
- You have had these symptoms for fewer than 15 days:
- new continuous cough or high temperature or a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell
- OR have a positive test for SARS-Co-V2 infection with COVID-19 symptoms in the past 14 days
- You are aged 50 to 64 with a pre-existing illness
- You are aged 65 and above
Find out more: www.principletrial.org
Download the Research Trial Poster – Covid-19
Practice closed for staff training
Please note that the practice will be closed for staff training on the following dates and times:
- Wednesday 14th October 2020, 1.00pm – 5.00pm
- Tuesday 24th November 2020, 1.00pm – 5.00pm
During this time if you need urgent advice please call NHS 111 or in a genuine emergency please call 999. If it is something that can wait, please call the surgery when we re-open at 5.00pm.
Thank you
Supporting your recovery after COVID-19
As you find yourself recovering from COVID-19 you may still be coming to terms with the impact the virus has had on both your body and mind.
These changes should get better over time, some may take longer than others, but there are things you can do to help.
Your COVID Recovery helps you to understand what has happened and what you might expect as part of your recovery. Find out more information at www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk
Flu Vaccinations
Our annual flu vaccination clinics will be held at Ashfields Primary Care Centre. This year, due to the current pandemic it is more challenging, as we have to adhere to the government advice regarding social distancing.
In order for Ashfields to meet the guidelines and to ensure that patients and staff are safe there will be a one way system in place, at two different entrances to the building.
We would like to ensure that you and others around you are safe whilst attending for your flu vaccination.
- If you have any symptoms of COVID on the date of your appointment, please do not attend
- Please wear a mask or face covering when you attend
- Please come alone, unless you have a carer or need help to attend
- Please arrive at the time of your appointment to avoid having to wait, please DO NOT arrive early as you may not be able to enter the building straight away
The first flu clinic will be on
Saturday 26th September 2020 by invitation only for
Shielded patients and any patients with the following conditions
COPD, Diabetes, Stroke
The next flu clinic is on
Saturday 10th October 2020 by invitation only for
2 – 3 years, 4 years (if not at school) & over 65 years old
Letters are currently being sent out for this clinic only
You will be notified by letter of your appointment for the flu clinics.
Please refer to this page for further dates for the flu clinics.
New government recommendation for patients
aged 50 to 64 to have a flu vaccination
Patients will be contacted in November
Flu Vaccinations for 50-64 year olds
Please note, if you are in the 50-64-year old age group you will not be vaccinated until November and December, providing there is sufficient vaccine. No appointments will be offered for this age group until then.
This is to ensure that those who are most at risk are vaccinated first. If you are 50-64 and you are in one of the other groups which is eligible for the flu vaccination, for example you have a health condition which puts you at risk from the flu, you will be invited earlier.
Thank you
We are now operating a queuing system at the practice
From the 2nd September 2020 the surgery will be operating a queuing system if you have been asked to attend the surgery. There is to be no more than three people in the queue and we will have clear instructions on our main door regarding all the changes.
We know that contacting the surgery can be difficult and to help with this, please can patients call after 2.00pm for anything that is routine and for test results.
We review our processes on a regular basis and during this difficult time we are committed to working in a way to keep everyone, staff and patients, as safe as we can.
Please visit our website to keep up to date with any changes in the future.
Your support is appreciated.
Sign up if you are interested in taking part in a COVID-19 vaccine trial
If you would be interested in the NHS contacting you about taking part in coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine studies in the UK, then go to: https://www.nhs.uk/sign-up-to-be-contacted-for-research
This does not automatically sign you up to take part in a specific study but just lets researchers know you’re happy to be contacted if they think you might be suitable to take part in their studies.
