Get Ready for the 2025-2026 Flu and Covid Vaccinations.

Get Ready for the 2025-2026 Flu and Covid Vaccinations.

It’s that time of year again with flu season is fast approaching, and our team at the surgery is ready! Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s flu vaccination campaign, including who’s eligible, when clinics will run, and how to get booked in.

Why the Flu Vaccine Matters

Each year, flu can cause serious illness, especially in vulnerable groups. Getting vaccinated helps:

• Protect individuals at highest risk
• Reduce flu-related hospitalisations and deaths
• Prevent transmission in the community
• Safeguard children and those in care homes

Flu strains change each year, so a new vaccine is needed annually. This year’s programme runs from 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026.

Who Can Get the Flu Vaccine?

From 1 September 2025, the following groups are eligible:

• Pregnant women
• Children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2025
• Children aged 6 months to under 18 in clinical at-risk groups
• All primary and secondary school children (Reception to Year 11)*

School-aged children will mainly be vaccinated by the School Immunisation Service, though parents may request vaccination at the surgery if preferred.

From October 2025 (date to be confirmed by NHS England), the following groups will also be eligible:

• All adults aged 65 and over
• Adults aged 18 to 64 in clinical risk groups
• Care home residents
• Carers and main care providers
• Close contacts of people who are immunocompromised
• Frontline health and social care workers

Types of Flu Vaccines Used

Depending on your age and medical needs, the following vaccines may be used:

• LAIV (Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine), for most children
• aTIV (Adjuvanted Trivalent Influenza Vaccine), now for adults aged 50+
• TIVc (Trivalent Influenza Vaccine, Cell-culture based), for various other groups

Key Clinic Dates at the Surgery

We’re holding two dedicated flu vaccination Saturdays at the surgery:

• Saturday 4th October 2025 • Saturday 11th October 2025

Appointments will be required. Invitations will go out via text message, with a link for easy online booking. For those unable to book online, our team will be in touch directly to arrange appointments.

Weekday appointments will also be offered and available throughout the season.

What About Housebound Patients or Care Homes?

Flu vaccinations for housebound patients and those in care homes will be delivered by the local PCN team. Dates for these visits will be communicated soon.

What About Covid Boosters?

Covid vaccination eligibility has changed this year and is now limited to:

• Adults aged 75 and over (previously this was over 65yrs old)
• Individuals in specific high-risk clinical categories
• Residents in older adult care homes

Patients eligible for both flu and COVID-19 vaccines and wishing to receive them together will need to attend a designated clinic at Watton Medical Practice or Thetford Healthy Living Centre.

Only flu vaccinations will be offered at Watton Medical Practice.

What Happens Next?

We’re starting our public campaign now to raise awareness. Here’s what to expect:

• Invitations sent via SMS to eligible patients
• Online booking links for convenience
• Social media updates and local news coverage
• Regular clinic availability for flexible booking

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible or have questions about the vaccines, just get in touch. Our staff will be happy to help you find the right information and support your vaccination decision.

Let’s stay healthy this flu season. Get vaccinated. Protect yourself. Protect others.