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Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination Programmes

Published on: 20 Jan 2025

Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination Programmes

The NHS offers flu and COVID-19 vaccines to some groups of people every year.

These vaccines help protect you from getting seriously ill. They are updated often to target the newest types of the virus.

Vaccines lower your risk of getting very sick or needing to go to the hospital. They are an important way to keep you and your community safe.

Can I get vaccinated?

Flu and COVID-19 can be dangerous, especially for some people.

The exact eligibility can change from year to year, but generally, older adults, pregnant women, children, and those with long-term health problems are included.

If you are eligible, you can get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines for free.

When can I get vaccinated?

Flu and COVID vaccination programmes normally begin during the Autumn. This is so people have the best protection over the winter months.

The germs that cause flu and COVID pass more easily in colder temperatures. Topping up people’s immunity protects them through Winter, when the NHS experiences lots of extra pressures.

How do I book an appointment?

It is important to wait to be contacted before trying to book an appointment.

GP practices and the NHS will contact you when they are appointments ready for you.

You may be able to get an appointment at your GP, a local pharmacy or a vaccine centre or pop up.

From the 2nd February 2026 we are moving to a Total Triage model.

Total triage is how we manage appointments at our practice.
You will fill out a e-consult rather than calling the surgery and tell us about your problem.

Ideally, patients will submit their own request however we appreciate that this may not be possible for some patients. If you are unable to use or access the online form then please contact the surgery by telephone and we will complete the request for you, which will be added to the triage list to be reviewed by the GP.

A clinician will review your information and decide the best way to help you, which may be advice, a phone call, or an appointment.

We will have three types of appointments:

• Same day – for emergencies (A member of staff will contact you to book the appointment)
• Within 5 days – for patients that need to see or speak to a healthcare professional soon, but not urgently.
• Within 10 days – for routine appointments.

The main purpose of total triage is to make sure you receive high-quality care by getting the right advice or appointment for your needs as quickly as possible.

Please ensure you have completed the e-consult in full with as much information as possible.

To fill out a e-consult please click here

for more help on filling out a e-consult on the NHS app please visit the e-consult NHS app guide.

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