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.

From 1 September 2023 the vaccine programme is being offered to the following: 

1. healthy people 70 to 79 years of age who have not been vaccinated
2. people from 50 years of age with a severley weakened immune system
3. healthy people aged 60 to 70 years will become eligible for the vaccine over the next 5 years, when they turn 65 or 70 years of age

You will remain eligible for the shingles vaccine until your 80th birthday (unless you have a weakened immune system), but the sooner you have the vaccine the earlier you will be protected.

There are 2 shingles vaccines, Zostavax and Shingrix. Your GP practice or local pharmacy will advise which is the right vaccine for you. Please contact the surgery if you are unsure if you are eligible. 

A vaccine to help protect against RSV will be available on the NHS from 1 September 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

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 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.