Flu Vaccinations – Autumn 2025

As we approach winter its is important that patients who are at risk take up the offer to have their free flu jab. If you are eligible it is important to know why it matters to take up the offer. Flu is far more serious than a bad cold. For those susceptible, it can increase the risk of developing serious lung and airway infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia or can make existing conditions far
worse. The flu virus is constantly evolving, which is why getting vaccinated each year is vital. All eligible patients will be sent an email or SMS with a self booking link. Or alternatively patients can call us to book an appointment.

Seasonal influenza vaccination schedule:

From 1st September 2025 eligible groups include:
* pregnant women (at the practice)
* all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025 (at the practice)
* all primary school aged children from reception to Year 6 (at their school)
* secondary school-aged children in years 7 to 11 (individuals 18 years and over attending a special education needs (SEN) school and who are in a clinical risk group may also be vaccinated alongside their peers) (at their school)
* those aged 6 months to under 18 years in clinical risk groups (at the practice)

From 1st October 2025 eligible groups are:
* those aged 65 years and over (at the practice)
* those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (at the practice)
* those in long-stay residential care homes (in their care home)
* carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person (at the practice)
* close contacts of immunocompromised individuals (at the practice)
* frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme (at the practice)

Pregnant women and children aged 2 or 3 years on 31st August 2025 have already had their invitation to book to have their flu vaccine.

Those patients eligible from 1st October will be invited to book their flu appointment with the practice from 24th September.

We have a home visiting team that will be contacting our housebound patients to offer them the Covid and Flu vaccines. If you have recently become housebound please let our Reception team know and we will make sure the home visiting team are informed.

If your child misses their flu vaccination at school please use this link to book one with the Community team: https://www.schoolvaccination.uk/catch-up-kensington-chelsea