Surgeries across our area will soon be starting their autumn and winter flu and COVID booster clinics.
It’s a complex logistical operation which has meant a lot of careful planning.
As both vaccinations are being given at the same time this year — one in each arm — practice staff have been working hard to work out the best way to get as many people to take up the offer, whilst managing the flow through the practices at a very busy time of year.
Coast & Country operations manager, Vicky Parker said: “Vaccination is the key way to minimise the effects of the winter illnesses, as well as boosting our COVID immunity and helping protect our local community and NHS services.
“Please take up your invitation and come to one of our clinics. We want to see you.”
With peak flu season usually being in January or February, dates in October and November are being offered as the ideal time for immunisation.
Everyone aged 50 and above will qualify for free flu and COVID booster vaccinations, as well as those in the usual eligible groups.
Vaccinations to those aged 18 and above, will be being given at everyone’s registered practice, or at a suitable local venue on the following dates:
Holsworthy Medical Centre
Saturday, October 15
Saturday, October 29
Saturday, November 12
Hatherleigh Medical Centre – at Hatherleigh Community Centre
Friday, November18
Stratton Medical Centre
Saturday, October 15
Saturday, October 29
Saturday, November 12
Bradworthy Surgery
Monday, October 3, all 1-8pm
Monday, October 10
Monday, October 17
Monday, October 31
Neetside Surgery – at Neetside Methodist Church Hall
Saturday, October 29
Saturday, November 19
Those who qualify for free vaccinations will all get an invitation by text, phone call or letter and be given directions how to book. This will only be possible after 7th September.
A Vaccination Information Line is available for patient queries (not bookings) on Wednesdays and Thursdays 9.30am to 4.30pm at 01409 255254.
Vaccination care co-ordinator, Heather Baker, will be available to answer calls.
Patients should go to their individual practice websites, or pick up a newsletter at their practice for more details, or go to: www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-flu-immunisation-programme-planforflu or www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccines-for-autumn-2022-jcvi-advice-15-august-2022 for autumn boosters
Last year’s clinics combined cheerful community action with NHS expertise, efficiency and care, over many weekends.
If the comments on social media were anything to go by, patients were overwhelmingly delighted with, and hugely thankful for the way things went with our hard-working NHS staff getting the job done.
“We are really looking forward to doing the same again this year. The smiles, are all ready!”