As winter approaches, staying protected against seasonal illnesses is essential. This table outlines key vaccinations, including flu, whooping cough, COVID boosters, and others such as shingles and pneumonia. These vaccines are recommended for various groups based on age, health conditions or exposure risks, and are available immediately to help prevent serious illness during the colder months.
Seasonal vaccinations
| Seasonal Vaccinations | Recommended For | Available From | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flu – adults | Everyone but especially pregnant and vulnerable patients, and those over 50 | Immediately | We are already seeing an increase in respiratory diseases and feel that prevention of Influenza is an important part of staying healthy this winter. We will be giving a cell grown egg free vaccine to all adults under 65, and an adjuvant vaccine to all patients over 65. |
| Flu – children | Children from 2 years of age | Immediately | We encourage parents to accept the nasal spray flu vaccine at school this year but if you would like your child to have protection earlier in the season or your child is immunocompromised or particularly at risk, the injectable version is slightly more effective so do come in for the injection. We will be giving a cell grown, egg free vaccine to all children. |
| Flu – under 2s | Children under the age of 2 | Immediately | Children between 6 months of age and 2 years old cannot have the nasal spray flu vaccine but can have the injectable version and will be given a cell grown egg free injection. You will need a consultation with your GP to discuss this vaccine before giving it. |
| Whooping cough | All babies, small children and pregnant women or those exposed to an outbreak | Immediately | We are currently experiencing a whooping cough outbreak affecting the UK and much of Europe, so it is particularly important to ensure that your child’s whooping cough vaccine is up to date. We are also vaccinating adults who are at particular risk of exposure due to contact with children or infected adults. |
| Covid booster | Recommended for anyone invited by their NHS GP and particularly important for those at risk or over 75 | Immediately | We are here to discuss the booster with patients and it is now available both on the NHS and privately but we are not providing it currently at Sloane Street Surgery. |
Other vaccinations to consider
| Other Vaccines to Consider | Recommended For | Available From | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shingles | Anyone over 50 years of age | Immediately | There are two doses separated by 2-6 months but once you have had these you will be protected for life. Even if you have had a Zostavax previously, you should consider having Shingrix as it provides much better protection. If you have recently had Shingles, it is even more important to have the vaccine to protect you from further attacks, but you will need to wait until the rash has disappeared completely. |
| Pneumonia | Anyone who is at risk of pneumonia, babies and all adults over 65 years of age | Immediately | It is safe for you to have this on the same day as your flu vaccine or you can have it at any time of the year. |
| RSV | Recommended for any child under 2 with immunodeficiency, heart or lung disease (given in hospital), all pregnant women over 28 weeks and all adults over 60 especially those with immunocompromise, chronic lung or heart disease, undergoing cancer treatment or after organ transplant | Immediately | Epidemics of RSV usually start in October and continue throughout the Winter peaking at Christmas. We are worried about the risk of pneumonia for adults and bronchiolitis for young children so protection is sensible now that there is a new vaccine available. Protection is greater the year after vaccination but is likely to last for two Winters and then you will need a booster. It is safe for you to have the RSV vaccination at the same time as your flu, covid, shingles or pneumonia vaccine. |
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Article produced by Sloane Street Surgery, a private GP practice in London that provides world-class private healthcare for patients in Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, West London, Hampshire, and beyond.
About the author
MBBS DCH DRCOG MRCGP
“I love working with the other doctors and staff, but what sticks with me are the interesting conversations we have with our patients, every day”.
As a GP, I have worked both in the NHS and privately and spent 8 years as School Doctor to The Hall School in Hampstead. I joined Sloane Street Surgery in 2015.
I particularly like seeing teenagers, adults and the elderly. I really enjoy general medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, care of older patients and looking after patients in distress.
The joy of being a GP in a group practice working alongside other doctors is that I learn every day, through my own research but also constant conversation.
