We are now taking bookings for flu vaccination. Our vaccines are in stock and you can book an appointment online, by phone or in person. Appointments are available throughout the day as late as 8pm.
We have ordered enough vaccines for our eligible patients, so please support your Practice and have your vaccine here. Don't wait for us to contact you directly, if you are eligible just book online now or phone 01434 603627.
See below for further information on eligibility for flu vaccine, pneumococcal vaccination and shingles vaccination.
Self-esteem course
This is a friendly (free) course spread over 10 sessions, starting on Monday 23rd September 2019, from 6pm to 7.30pm at The Bodyworks Centre in Hexham.
For further information, including how to self-refer, please call Talking Matters Northumberland on 0300 30 30 700 or visit their website.
Who should have a Flu Vaccination?
Patients eligible for a free flu vaccination are everyone aged 65+ (which includes anyone who will turn 65 by 31/3/2020) along with anyone under 65 who has a long-term condition such as diabetes, heart disease and asthma. You are also eligible if you receive a carer's allowance, or you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill.
Pregnant women are also advised to have the flu vaccination, no matter what stage of pregnancy they are at. The flu jab will protect both you and your baby. There is good evidence that pregnant women have a higher chance of developing complications if they get flu, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.
Children aged 2 or 3 years are eligible for the nasal flu vaccination (so no needles) but we do not yet know when we will receive the vaccine, so the first vaccinations are likely to take place in October. Older healthy children born 1/9/2008 to 31/3/2015 will be vaccinated at school.
Pneumococcal Vaccination
The pneumococcal vaccine protects against serious and potentially fatal pneumococcal infections. It's also known as the "pneumo jab" or pneumonia vaccine. It is not given annually like the flu jab and people over 65 usually only need a single pneumococcal vaccination, which offers protection for life.
People with a long-term health condition may need just a single one-off pneumococcal vaccination or five-yearly vaccination, depending on their underlying health problem.
While it can be administered all year round we can also give this vaccination at the same time as the annual flu jab to save you a visit. We routinely offer this vaccination to eligible patients but feel free to check with a Practice Nurse when you come for your flu jab if you need a pneumococcal vaccination too.
Shingles Vaccination
If you are in your 70s then you may be entitled to a FREE Shingles Vaccination to prevent a common, painful skin disease. The shingles vaccine is not available on the NHS if you are aged 80 or over, so if you're in your 70's why not ask about the shingles vaccine when you are getting your flu jab. Unlike the flu jab, you'll only need to have the vaccination once and you can have it at any time of the year but it can be given with a flu vaccination.
Staff News
Sara recently joined the Practice as an additional member of our reception team and we have also recruited Julie to a new role in the Practice managing our call and recall systems.
Our GP Registrars Dr Maddie Moat and Dr Sam Ferguson have now moved on and we are joined by Dr Mie Maxwell-Smith, Dr Eleanor Lear and Dr Eleanor Walker.
We welcome back Dr Emily Bryant from maternity leave later this month.
