Adult Immunisations

RSV Vaccination Programme for Older Adults

The RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine is new for Autumn 2024.
 
This vaccine is free for our patients who:
  • turn 75 years of age on or after the 1st September 2024
  • are already aged 75 to 79 years old on 1st September 2024
The reason this vaccine is offered to this age group is because older adults are more at risk of serious complications from the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).  RSV is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs.  RSV can be more severe in people with medical conditions such as heart or lung disease or weakened immune system.
 
Contact the Practice if you would like to book your vaccination now. 
 
Your guide to the RSV vaccine  
 
Updated Information on RSV - December 2024
  • adults turning 75 years (older adult routine programme). These patients will remain eligible until they attain 80 years and will not be eligible thereafter
  • adults aged 75 to 78 years on 31 August 2024 (older adult catch-up programme). These patients will remain eligible until they attain 80 years and will not be eligible thereafter
  • adults aged 79 years on the 31 August 2024 (older adult catch-up programme). These patients will remain eligible until the 31 August 2025 (so, exceptionally, will be eligible aged 80) and will not be eligible thereafter
  • from 28 weeks of pregnancy either opportunistically or on request. They will remain eligible until birth.

Does Age Affect The Risk Of Flu?

Most eligible people won't be offered NHS flu jabs until 3rd October this year, NHS England have decided.  This is for GP Practices and Pharmacies. 

In previous years, flu vaccinations have been offered from September.

The change in timings follows clinical advice from the Government's independent clinical advisors, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, that starting later would be better for patients. 

This is because the positive effect of the flu vaccine will increase people's protection from flu viruses which reduces over time following the vaccination.

Getting the vaccination at a slightly later time will make it more likely that the person's immune response to the virus is higher when flu virus levels are at their highest. 

With this in mind Seaside Medical Centre will be starting their vaccination programme from Thursday 3rd October with an all day clinic on Saturday 5th October.  This clinic will be for over and under 65's. Further clinics will be available subject to patient demand.  Please ring the Practice if you have any questions or would like to book your flu vaccination this year. 

NHS England's Directive 2024

Yes. If you are aged 65 years or over or you are at higher risk

Who is at risk?

  • If you are aged 65 years or over or if you are on regular inhaled steroids
  • If you have a chronic respiratory disease (including asthma)
  • If you have chronic heart disease
  • If you have chronic renal disease
  • If you are diabetic
  • If you have a weak immune system
  • If you live in a long-stay residential or nursing home
  • If you have a chronic liver disease
  • If you are a carer

IMMUNISATION

Do I Need To Be Protected Against Pneumococcal Infection?

Everybody aged 65 and over should now be immunised to help protect them against pneumococcal infection which can cause diseases such as pneumonia, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and meningitis. Please phone the surgery during September to make an appointment if the above applies to you.