Respiratory syncytial virus is a common cause of acute respiratory tract infections which are usually mild and self-limiting. The virus is transmitted via respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing), through close contact with an infected person or contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms usually include runny nose, cough and fever. For infants, and older adults, the virus can lead to more severe illness and hospitalisation.
This year the practice can offer the RSV vaccination to patients aged 75 – 80 years of age. The vaccination cost to the NHS is £158.00 per dose.
The vaccine should ideally be given by the end of October before RSV activity increases, during the RSV season (November to February). We will shortly send you an invite to book your vaccination in September with the practice.
For more information please click here.
The flu vaccine helps protect against flu, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness. It’s offered on the NHS every year in early winter to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu. Flu begins to circulate in December through to the end of March.
To get maximum cover we advise having your flu vaccination in October or early December. Look out for your invite!
This page is about the flu vaccine for adults. There are also pages about the children’s flu vaccine and flu jab in pregnancy.
Who should have the flu vaccine
The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
It’s offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter.
You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:
- are aged 65 or over
- have certain long-term health conditions
- are pregnant
- live in a care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.
COVID-19 vaccines are offered because viruses change and protection fades over time. It’s important to top up your protection if you’re at increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19.
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can:
- help to reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms
- help you to recover more quickly if you catch COVID-19
- help to reduce your risk of having to go to hospital or dying from COVID-19
- protect against different strains of COVID-19
You may be able to get a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine this autumn if you’re at increased risk from COVID-19 or depending on your age.
The practice will not be offering Covid 19 vaccinations. We need to ensure all our eligible patients can access a RSV and Flu vaccination so will prioritise these vaccinations. Local pharmacies such as St Leonards Pharmacy, as well as pop up NHS clinics are planned across the City. We will post to our website where you access a Covid vaccination or you can book online from late September using this link.
