Flu and Covid Vaccinations 2023

Flu 2023

There are 3 groups of patients that will be eligible for the flu vaccination this year, and you will receive your invitation by text (if we have a mobile number on your record), or by letter if we don’t.

The timing of vaccinations for each group is dependent on the delivery date of the vaccination type that is specific to that group – as there is a different type for a different age group.

COVID autumn booster 2023

As part of the national autumn programme, we will be aiming to offer covid booster vaccines to over 65’s alongside the flu vaccines, at St Andrews Church Hall this year.

Due to this, we will not have our blood pressure testing stations this year. We will however still have representatives attending from Audiology, Age UK Bedfordshire, Tibbs Dementia Foundation and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue.

Group 1 – 65 and over (or will be 65 by 31st March 2024)

We will be running two mass vaccination days, where we aim to vaccinate for flu and covid at the same time, and they will be at St Andrews Church Hall on Kimbolton Road, Bedford, MK40 2PF.

Day one is on Thursday 5th October, and we will have 4 sessions:

  • 9:00 to 11:00, surnames A to B
  • 11:00 to 13:00, surnames C to D
  • 1:00 to 15:00, surnames E to G
  • 15:00 to 17:00, surnames H to K

Day two is on Thursday 12th October, and will also have 4 sessions:

  • 9:00 to 11:00, surnames L to M
  • 11:00 to 13:00, surnames N to Q
  • 13:00 to 15:00, surnames R to S
  • 15:00 to 17:00, surnames T to Z

Ideally please try to stick to your allocated session day, and timing, so that we can safely manage patient numbers during that time.

But if you cannot make your allocated time slot or day, please still come along on either of the two dates.

In the event that you are not able to attend these dates, we will arrange ‘catch up’ clinics at the practice, but these will only be scheduled after the two days have been completed. Please call the surgery to be added to our waiting list and be clear if you want flu only or flu and covid.

Group 2 – under 65 at risk

We will be running flu vaccination clinics at the practice.

We will send out invitations by text (if you have a mobile number on your record) or by letter, once we have received the vaccinations.  The text will have a link to directly book into these clinics or if you receive a letter, you can book your appointment with the reception team.

Group 3 – 2 and 3 year olds (patients born between 1st September 2019 and 31st August 2021)

The invitations for this group are sent centrally by Child Health.

The vaccines are supplied from a national stock and historically it is a little later in the year that we can order these but NHS England are trying to get these vaccinations to us sooner.  Once we know we can order vaccines and have delivery dates confirmed, then we will be able to schedule clinics.

Please call the surgery when you receive an invitation and we will add you to a waiting list, when we have dates confirmed we send out a text invitation which will have a link to follow which enables you to book into these clinics.

50-64 not at risk

Although previously eligible, NHS England have made the decision not to offer either vaccine to this age group this year, unless they fall into the “at risk” group.  Flu vaccines can be purchased privately from local pharmacies if you wish but unfortunately we will not be offering any at the surgery.