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Vaccinations

Vaccinations are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect you, your family and our community from serious illness. Here you’ll find up-to-date information about flu, COVID-19 and routine childhood immunisations.

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Seasonal update: This page is reviewed regularly and updated in line with national NHS guidance (for example, ahead of each autumn flu and COVID campaign).

ℹ️ Who is eligible?

 

Eligibility for flu and COVID-19 vaccines is set nationally by the NHS and may change from year to year. We will update this section each season and contact eligible patients with details of how to book.For the latest information on who can have the COVID-19 vaccine and how to book, visit the official NHS COVID-19 vaccination page .

FLU Vaccination (Autumn & Winter)

 

Flu vaccines are usually offered from autumn onwards. You may be eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine if you are in one of the nationally defined risk groups, which typically include:

  • Adults aged 65 years and over

  • People with certain long-term health conditions (e.g. diabetes, heart disease, chronic respiratory conditions)

  • Pregnant women

  • Registered carers and frontline health and social care staff

  • Children aged 2–3 years (nasal spray, given in general practice)

  • School-age children (usually via school vaccination teams)

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How we organise Flu clinics

When the NHS programme opens each year, we will invite eligible patients by text or phone and publish clinic details on this page. Most clinics are on Saturdays and will be held at our Linton, Loose or Headcorn branches.

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📅 How do I book an appointment?

If you are eligible, you will receive a text message inviting you to book. This message will include a link so you can choose a date and location for your appointment. During the flu vaccination season, there is also an extra option on our main phone line that you can use to book. Please note: this service is for patients aged 65 and over only. If you think you should be eligible but have not received a message, please contact us.​

COVID-19 Vaccination

 

COVID-19 vaccinations are offered seasonally, usually in the autumn, to people at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell. The eligible groups may change over time but often include:

  • Adults aged 75 years and over

  • Residents of care homes for older adults

  • People who are immunosuppressed or have certain long-term conditions

  • Certain younger people at increased clinical risk (for example, some children aged 6 months and over with long-term conditions)

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❓Where COVID vaccines are given:

Depending on national arrangements, vaccinations may be provided at the practice, local vaccination centres or participating pharmacies. At Greensand Health Centre, we offer COVID vaccinations at any of our three branches.

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✅ Invitations and booking for COVID vaccinations

If you are eligible, you may be invited by the practice or by the NHS nationally (for example by text, app notification, email or letter). Please follow the booking instructions in your invite. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, contact us and we will be happy to advise.

Why vaccinations are important

Vaccines are carefully tested, continuously monitored for safety and recommended by experts worldwide. They help to:

  • Protect you and your family from serious illnesses and complications

  • Reduce the spread of infections within our community

  • Protect people who cannot be vaccinated or who do not respond as well to vaccines

If you have questions or worries about any vaccination, please talk to one of our clinicians. We can explain the benefits and risks and help you make an informed decision.

Not sure if you need a vaccine?

If you are unsure whether you or your child should have a particular vaccine, or if you think you may have missed a dose, please contact us. Our team can review your record and advise you.

 
⚠️ Urgent advice

If you are worried about symptoms that could be serious or life-threatening (for example, signs of meningitis, stroke, severe breathing difficulties, chest pain or collapse), you should seek urgent medical help by calling 999 or going to A&E.

 

For urgent advice when the practice is closed, you can contact NHS 111 online or by phone.

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