Flu and Covid Campaigns
Flu Campaign 2024
Bookings are under way for eligible patients to get their flu jab. We have over 4000 patients in eligible groups so it takes some time to invite everyone. We use a variety of methods to give our patients options to book with minimum effect on the normal running of the surgery. We use text messaging, email and letters to invite our patients and offer self-booking. The easiest and quickest way for us to contact you is by giving us a mobile number with permission to text you.
Please DO NOT PHONE THE SURGERY with flu enquiries, please email us with any queries: gmicb-bol.kmc@nhs.net
Our main flu clinics take place at the surgery on Wednesdays through October, however our nursing team will be available most weekdays through October. These are not a drop in clinics, you must have an appointment slot. Due to the building lay out you may be queuing outside so please prepare for all weather.
Use this link to see who is eligible for a flu jab:
Eligible children and young people under 18 years are vaccinated at the surgery, most have Fluenz nasal spray.
Care Home residents and housebound patients will be contacted by the practice, to be offered covid boosters and flu jabs together.
Covid Autumn Booster Campaign 2024
Use this link to see who is eligible for a Covid jab:
Covid vaccines will be given during our Flu clinics, if you are eligible and we have a supply of Covid vaccines available. Our Flu and Covid clinics will begin in October 2024.
RSV Vaccine 2024
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. It usually gets better by itself, but it can be serious for some babies and older adults.
Who's at risk from RSV
RSV is very common. Almost all children get it at least once before they're 2 years old.
It's not usually serious, but some babies and adults have a higher risk of getting seriously ill, particularly:
- babies under 6 months old
- children who were born prematurely
- adults over 75 years
- babies, children and older adults with a weakened immune system, or long-term lung or heart conditions
In babies, RSV is a common cause of a type of chest infection called bronchiolitis. This can cause breathing problems and may need to be treated in hospital.
RSV can also cause a serious lung infection (pneumonia) in babies and older adults.
How to avoid catching and spreading RSV
RSV is spread in the coughs and sneezes of someone who has the virus.
There are some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting it or spreading it to anyone else, such as:
- wash your hands and your child's hands often
- wash or wipe down toys and clean surfaces regularly
- avoid sharing things like cutlery and cups
- use disposable tissues and throw them away as soon as you've used them
- keep newborn babies away from anyone with a cold or the flu – especially if they were born prematurely or have serious health conditions
Treatment for children at risk of serious infections
Children who have a very high risk of getting seriously ill from RSV may be given treatment in the winter (between October and March) to help reduce the risk of RSV causing severe bronchiolitis.
RSV vaccination from September 2024
A vaccine to help protect against RSV will be available at the practice from 1 September 2024.
You'll be able to get the vaccine if:
- you're aged 75 to 79
- you're 28 weeks pregnant or more – this will help protect your baby for the first few months after they're born
If you're aged 75 to 79, we will contact you about getting vaccinated. Please wait to be contacted.
From September, you can speak to your maternity service or GP surgery about getting your RSV vaccination if you're 28 weeks pregnant or more.