COVID AND FLU VACCINATIONS 2023/2024
We are excited to announce that South Downs Health & Care (SDHC) will be giving our eligible patients both the flu vaccine and Covid-19 autumn booster vaccine this year. NHS England have advised that the vaccines should be given together and one appointment for both vaccinations makes this much simpler for you.
SDHC have been responsible for giving the Covid-19 vaccine to our patients since it was first available and we are grateful for their ongoing commitment, which allows us to focus on providing day-to-day medical care for patients. Please do not contact the surgery about your flu or Covid vaccines.
Eligible patients will receive an invitation to book a vaccine appointment via SMS, with clinics being available after 3rd October, as directed by NHS England. Those unable to book an appointment via SMS will be able to phone SDHC from 23rd September to book their appointment on 01323 402530 (please do not call the surgery).
SDHC will be holding Flu/Covid clinics in Bexhill in a variety of GP practices and Community settings including:
- Pebsham Surgery, 119 Seabourne Rd, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 2SD
- Collington Surgery, 23 Terminus Rd, Bexhill-on-Sea TN39 3LR
- St Mary Magdalene’s Church Hall, Sea Rd, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1RH
You will be able to select your location when you book your appointment
2- and 3-year-olds and eligible children and young people in an at risk group under the age of 18 will be vaccinated at Collington Surgery and will receive a separate invite from the surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: I only want either the Covid-19 vaccine or the Flu vaccine will this be possible?
A: Yes. Please inform your vaccinator when you arrive for your appointment. Please note we strongly encourage eligible patients to accept both vaccines, as per NHS England recommendations.
Q: Will I be able to get a Covid vaccination at the surgery?
A: No. Covid vaccinations are only available via SDHC at the locations stated above.
Q: Will I be able to get a Flu vaccination at the surgery?
A: No. the Surgery is not running flu clinics this year. Please book your appointment with SDHC.
Q: I do not want the flu or Covid-19 vaccine, do I need to let you know?
A: It would help if you could let us know via our online communications platform (Engage Consult). Otherwise you may receive further Texts or Letters inviting you.
Q: Will all patients aged between 50 and 64 be offered a flu jab again this year?
A: 50-64s are not covered this year unless they have an underlying eligible health condition. Eligibility information can be found here: Flu vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Q: If I have an appointment at the surgery before the vaccine clinic, will I be given the flu jab at the appointment instead?
A: No. we need to maintain Flu vaccination supplies for the planned clinics.
Q: Should I go to a Pharmacy for my flu jab?
A: NHS England have recommended both Covid-19 and the flu vaccine be given together at one appointment. Pharmacies do not offer Covid-19 vaccines in Bexhill.
Q: I have already had the flu jab this year at a pharmacist or other healthcare provider, do I need to let you know and can I still get the Covid-19 Vaccine?
A: If you’ve had the jab at a Pharmacy we will automatically be notified. If you’ve had the jab at work, please can you let us know via our online communications (Engage Consult). If you have had the flu vaccine and would like your Covid-19 vaccine you will need to book an appointment via your Accurx text with the link to book from SDHC, or via the national booking system
Q: If I’ve forgotten my flu clinic appointment date and time, how can I find out the details?
A: Patients can check their text messages and appointments will be confirmed to them via text. Patients can also email SDHC at the following address: [email protected]
Q: I’m housebound, will I get the flu jab?
A: Patients who are already coded as housebound by their GP will be included in a home-visit vaccination programme. Housebound Patients will be contacted by SDHC via telephone to book an appointment for their home visit.
Q: My spouse, partner, parents, household members have been invited to different clinic dates and / or times. Can we all come along together?
A: If you are booked on the same date but at different times, you can come along together. We cannot see patients who are booked on a different day as this increases waiting time for others.
Q: I have just had Covid-19, when can I have my Covid Vaccine?
A: There is no need to wait 4 weeks after having Covid 19 provided you are well. You should not attend a vaccine appointment if you think that you are infectious to others.
Q: Who do I call if I have any questions about my Flu or Covid Vaccination?
A: Patients can call the SDHC helpline number on 01323 402530 with any queries.
Please understand that the lines will be extremely busy and you may need to wait some time to have your call answered.