If you are over 65 or in an at risk group you are eligible for a FREE flu jab.

Later in the year, the flu vaccine may be given to people aged 50 to 64. More information will be available later in the autumn.

Your practice will contact you when slots are available to book.

You are at risk if you;

• Are pregnant
• Have a long term health condition i.e. diabetes, COPD, chronic heart disease
• Have a learning disability
• Are the main carer for someone who is at risk of Covid-19, or whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill

For more information on the flu vaccine please go to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/

Please be aware that these will be socially-distanced clinics and we request all patients please adhere to the following:

Arrive on time

Attend alone, unless absolutely necessary

Wear loose-fitting clothing to allow you to prepare for your vaccine while waiting

Wear a face covering unless there is a clinical reason that prevents you from doing so

Covid-19

Check online at gov.uk and at nhs.uk for advice on your travel and contact history and the latest COVID-19 information. Or you can go to https://111.nhs.uk/service/covid-19 for advice if you are concerned you may have coronavirus or have been in contact with someone who has.

Supply for COVID-19 tests is not currently meeting demand. There are things you can do to help:

• Only book a test if you or someone you care for has specific symptoms of COVID-19 (a fever, a new continuous cough, loss of taste or smell)
• To book a test(s) please go to https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus or phone 119
• DO NOT phone NHS 111, your GP surgery or visit your Emergency Department, as they have no access to tests
• Testing centres are not walk-in – you will need an appointment and cannot be tested without one
• If you can’t get a test immediately or near to you keep trying the website address as more tests are added throughout the course of each day and you will often find that you can book a test quickly by trying again

The aim is to get your test results within 48 hours. However, if you have been awaiting your results for longer than five days and want to ask when you should receive them please contact the Coronavirus testing helpline: 0300 303 2713 my medical records box.

Practice update

All of our GP practices are open, if you need to see your GP please ring your surgery or visit their website. Appointments are being delivered face-to-face, online and over the telephone. If you are asked to come into the surgery for a face-to-face appointment, you are required to wear a face covering as per government guidelines. Measures are in place to keep you safe from infection during your visit to the surgery.