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 1^st 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 the practice.

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 government website Shingles vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

‘Be wise, immunise’ your child against flu – you know it makes sense!

Protect your child, and others, from flu by making sure they get their flu vaccine.

Flu can be a very nasty illness in children, causing a range of symptoms including fever, dry cough, sore throat, aching joints, and extreme tiredness. The virus also spreads easily, and children can pass it on to others.

The nasal spray vaccine is free for children aged 2-3 years, those in primary and secondary schools up to year 11.

The vaccine is also free for children and young people who have a medical condition from the age of six months.

The flu vaccination for most children is needle-free for those aged 2-17 years.

It is given as a single squirt up each nostril; it’s quick, painless, and more effective in children than an injectable vaccine.

Children aged 2-3 years (on 31 August 2023) will be given the flu vaccination at their GP surgery.

If you haven’t heard from your practice by the middle of October, please get in touch with them to arrange an appointment for your child’s flu vaccination.

If your child is of primary or secondary school age, up to year 11, you will receive information from the School Age Immunisation Service asking you to give your consent so your child can have their free vaccination at school.

Please remember to complete the consent process as soon as possible.

All children up to the age of 18 who live with someone with a high-risk health condition, or those that live with someone who has, can get the free flu vaccine from their GP.

This means that, as part of the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant, we have a dedicated clinician who has a specialist knowledge of military related health conditions and veteran specific health services. This is important in helping individuals who have served in the Armed Forces get the care and treatment that is right for them.

If you have served in the UK Armed Forces, please let your health professional know to help ensure you are getting the best possible care.

To find out more, ask your healthcare professional.