Local GP practices are preparing to launch this year’s flu and COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, with clinics set to begin later this month.
The Seasonal Influenza (Flu) vaccination programme will follow similar eligibility rules to previous years. Pregnant women and children will be prioritised in late September, while most other patients will receive their flu vaccine from 1st October 2025 onwards, in line with government guidance.
Flu Clinic Dates:
- Saturday 27th September – Pregnant women and children, Overton & Kingsclere
- Saturday 4th October – Over and under 65s, Overton & Kingsclere
- Saturday 11th October – Over and under 65s, Overton & Kingsclere
- Tuesday 14th October (TBC) – Joint over/under 65s clinic, Oakley Surgery
By contrast, the COVID-19 booster programme has been significantly scaled back this year. Eligibility has been restricted to:
- Age criteria: Anyone aged 75 and over on the day of vaccination, or those who will turn 75 before 31st March 2026.
- Medical criteria: A narrower list of patients with severe immunosuppression, including those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, transplant recipients, individuals with blood cancers, advanced HIV infection, inherited immunodeficiencies, or those on specific biological or immunosuppressive therapies.
Joint COVID and Flu Clinics will run on selected dates with limited availability:
- Saturday 4th October – Overton & Kingsclere
- Saturday 11th October – Overton & Kingsclere
- Tuesday 14th October (TBC) – Oakley Surgery
- Wednesday 15th October (TBC) – Oakley Surgery
Patients eligible for flu but not COVID-19 will still be booked into the flu-only clinics.
Booking Process
Eligible patients will receive a text message invitation with a self-booking link in the coming days. The link will remain valid for seven days, so patients are advised to book promptly. Alternatively, bookings can be made by calling the practice directly on 0333 034 1033 (after 10am).
Pharmacies will also be delivering vaccinations, but only within the same strict eligibility criteria, and patients will need to book an appointment in advance.