FLU VACCINATIONS 20/21
The NHS has advised that the the flu vaccination programme will be expanded this year, and are urging patients to have the vaccine when it becomes available for their age group later on in the year.
NHS England have advised the following:
Please note that, if you are aged between 50 and 64 and not in a clinical at risk group, the earliest you will be offered a flu vaccination is potentially, dependent on vaccine supplies. No appointments will be offered for people in this age group until then, but we can put you on a waiting list and will contact you once vaccines are available. This is to ensure that those who are most at risk are vaccinated first. If you are aged 50 to 64 and are in a clinical ‘at risk’ group which is eligible for the flu vaccination, for example you have a health condition which puts you at risk from the flu, you will be invited earlier.
You may find this link helpful https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flu-vaccination-why-you-are-being-asked-to-wait/flu-vaccine-supplies-and-why-you-need-to-wait-for-your-vaccine
WE ARE OPEN
...but the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has forced us all to work differently to help slow down the spread of the virus.
All healthcare settings are taking special measures to protect you, the public and their staff. GP practices are working as hard as ever, but differently. Where possible we want to avoid people having to wait inside a waiting room together, as we know this increases the risk of the virus spreading.
Like hospitals and dentists, GP practices have also had to change how we offer our services to you. If you do need to come in, then the GP practice can ensure there are a minimal number of people in the practice, maintain social distancing and keep patients and staff safe.
The easiest and most effective method is to use e-Consult through the practice website, or you can telephone. You will then be contacted by a clinician to talk through your symptoms either over the phone, via email, or if needed and you have the available technology, through a video consultation.
Most patient’s health concerns can be managed over the phone or via video consultation. This is why practices are providing patients with either an initial phone call or video consultation to decide what would be the best way to help. If practices can support you without needing you to come into the practice itself, then this reduces the need for you to travel, and reduce the risk of the virus spreading.
If you do need a face-to-face appointment, you will be invited to attend the practice.
If you have suspected Covid-19 symptoms and, following a telephone assessment, need to have a further face-to-face appointment, this may take place at Old Basing surgery.
If you need to have a non-Covid-19 related face to face appointment and do not have any Covid-19 symptoms, you will still be able to access your usual surgery. However, please be aware that this may change dependent of staff availability.
Thank you for adapting to this method of working and for helping to keep fellow patients and staff safe.
Click here to see the Hampshire Carers Charter
(Site updated 26/10/2020)