Flu Campaign 2025/26

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SAVE THE DATE

Over 65s: Saturday 4th October

18-64 year olds at risk: Tuesday 7th October

(Different vaccines are used for the over 65s and 18-64 year olds age groups, therefore, clinics for each age group will be held on different dates for clinical safety.  If you are currently aged 64 but will turn 65 by 31/03/2026, you will be invited to the over 65s flu clinic.)

Information regarding this season’s flu campaign at New Lyminge Surgery:

Invitations:

  • Eligible patients will soon receive an invitation via either text message or letter. The invitation is only intended for the named person on the letter or text message.
  • If you receive a text message invitation, please use the link to book an appointment where possible as our phone lines can be extremely busy during the flu season.
  • If you are not able to attend the clinic date, there will be appointments available to book in one of our catch up clinics.
  • We will arrange for one of our nurses to administer the vaccine to you at home if you are recorded as housebound on your medical records.  You do not need to do anything, we will be in contact with you.

On the day of the clinic:

  • Please attend the surgery at your booked appointment time to avoid overcrowding at the surgery.  This will also help to ensure the clinic runs quickly and efficiently.
  • Please be aware there will be limited car parking space at the surgery.
  • If you have any mobility issues, please let a staff member know if you will struggle to stand in the queue.
  • We would suggest appropriate clothing is worn so that the clinician can easily access the top of your arm to administer the vaccine.
  • Please note, covid vaccinations will not be co-administered with the flu vaccination.
  • The surgery will be open for the flu clinic only, which means you will be unable to collect prescriptions or discuss any other medical concerns with clinical staff on the day.

The vaccination is free and recommended yearly for those most at risk from flu. This includes:

· Everyone aged 65 years and over

· Children aged 2 to 3 years old on 31 August 2025

· Pregnant women

· People living with certain long-term medical conditions

· People who receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if the carer gets sick

· Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals

Primary school aged children and secondary school children in Years 7 to 11 will be offered the vaccine at school. Children in these school year groups will not be able to have the flu vaccination at the surgery unless they are in an at risk group. If your child is in an at risk group, they will receive an invite to have the flu vaccination done at the surgery.

If your child is not at school when the school immunisations team visit, you can contact them on 0300123 5205 to book into one of their catch up clinics. 

If there is someone you rely on to care for you, please ask them to contact their own GP Practice as they may be eligible for a free flu vaccination.

Frontline health and social care workers can get a flu vaccine through their employer.