Dear colleague,
There is some anecdotal evidence that 50-64 year olds are trying to book in for flu vaccines and so the national flu comms lead has prepared some copy that GPs can use on websites etc that makes it clear that 50-64 year olds will not be vaccinated until November at the earliest, and only then if there is vaccine available.
Below is the copy that you can use in your practice:
Please note that people in the 50-64-year old age group will not be vaccinated until November and December, providing there is sufficient vaccine, and no appointments will be offered for this age group until then. This is to ensure that those who are most at risk are vaccinated first. If you are 50-64 and you are in one of the other groups 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.
Please also note that GPs are not to vaccinate this age group until the clinically at risk have been done This means that no 50-64 year old (other than those who are in the clinical at risk group) should be invited to attend for a vaccine until there is confirmation from the national team that there is vaccine supply for this group.
There will be FAQs about this year’s flu programme which are specifically aimed at GPs and pharmacies and these are due next week.
If you have any queries please contact the London Immunisation Team directly at england.londonimms@nhs.net
Kind Regards
London Immunisation Team
NHS England and NHS Improvement - London Region
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