Arlington Road Medical Practice is pleased 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 3^rd October, as directed by NHS England.  Those unable to book an appointment via SMS will be able to phone SDHC from 23^rd September to book their appointment on 01323 402530, the appointment line is open 09:00-13:00 Monday to Friday (please do not call the surgery).

SDHC will be holding Flu/Covid clinics at various locations in Eastbourne, including:

• Shinewater Sports Centre, Milfoil Drive Eastbourne BN23 8ED
• Langney Shopping Centre, 64 Kingfisher Drive, Eastbourne BN23 7RT
• Hillbrow Health and Wellbeing Centre, 1 Denton Road, Eastbourne BN20 7SR

 You will be able to select your location when you book your appointment

Fluenz vaccines for children

All children aged 2-3 years as at 31.8.24 (those born between 1.9.20-31.8.22) are all eligible for Fluenz nasal spray to protect against flu this autumn/winter.

We are holding a morning clinic for this at the surgery on Saturday 5^th October 2024.  All eligible children will have been invited by text message to their parents with a link in the text to book the appointment directly, but if you have not yet booked and your child is in this age group please contact the surgery to book a Fluenz appointment.

All school aged children (reception to year 11) will be offered the Fluenz at school.  If your child is home schooled, please contact the Surgery to book an appointment.

Any under 18's outside of this cohort who are in a clinical risk group eg. asthmatic, diabetic etc. are also eligible to receive their vaccination at Arlington Road Medical Practice.

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: I am trying to book online and it's only offering me a Covid vaccination, there isn't an option to select Flu Vaccination as well.

A: The National booking service is set up primarily to book Covid vaccinations and cannot be tailored to how different areas of the country are operating their clinics.  Please make your appointment as if you just wish to have a Covid vaccination and tell the vaccinator on the day which vaccine(s) you wish to be given.

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. Arlington Road Medical Practice 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 so that we can code your records and stop further invites being sent out to you – please complete this form to let us know if you do not want a Flu and/or Covid vaccinations this year.

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'm eligble for a flu vaccination am I automatically elgible for a Covid-19 Autumn Booster?

A:  Not necessarily, the criteria for the two vaccinations differs slightly.  Eligibility information can be found here: Government Covid 19 Eligibility Criteria.  SDHC will also be able to advise you when you book your appointment.

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 are not able to offer Covid-19 vaccines in Eastbourne but can offer Flu vaccinations.

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 have had the jab at a Pharmacy we will automatically be notified. If you have had the jab at work, please complete this form and we will update your records.

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: sdhc.vaccinations@nhs.net