Flu Update
Successful flu clinics over the weekend saw 1200 patients vaccinated here at the surgery. We still have plenty of slots available in our flu clinics this weekend. If you are eligible for the NHS flu vaccine and are able to book online using Patient Access or the NHS App, please do so – ensuring you select the clinic for your age (under 65 years or 65 years and over). Otherwise, please call our dedicated flu line on 0118 2141 686, open 10am – 1pm weekdays – please do not call our main reception number to book.
Covid Boosters FAQs
We’re pleased to announce that our Covid Booster clinics are now live and invites have started to go out.
When and where are the clinics?
Clinics will be held every weekend from Saturday 9th October here at the Surgery, NOT The Pangbourne Club as before. Please note the GP practice will NOT be open during Booster clinics and we will not be able to hand out prescriptions or deal with surgery queries during clinics.
Am I eligible for a booster?
All patients aged 50 years and over, and those aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk from Covid-19* will be invited for a booster, 6 months after their 2nd dose.
*Who is at high risk from coronavirus (COVID-19) – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
How can I book?
Please wait to be invited. If we have a mobile number for you, you will receive a text message with a link that will allow you to book your appointment online on your phone. If you are unable to use the link, we will follow up those that haven’t booked with a phone call, please wait to hear from us. If we do not have a mobile number for you, we will call you on your landline.
Invites will be sent in batches, as we cannot invite 1000’s of patients all at once, so please do not panic if your relative / neighbour / friend has been invited before you, please be assured we will be in touch. PLEASE DO NOT CALL RECEPTION asking to book or to enquire when you will be invited.
I’ve already booked elsewhere through the national system – is that OK?
No problem at all, but if we also send you a text to book, please kindly click the link to decline the invite and advise that you’ve boked elsewhere – that way we won’t keep sending reminders! If you’d prefer to come to a clinic here at the surgery, you’re welcome to do so, but please cancel your existing booking.
I’m unable to attend at weekends – what can I do?
Please use the online national booking system* or call 119 to find alternative clinics near you – you’ll only be able to book if it’s been at least 6 months since your 2nd dose.
*Book or manage a booster dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
I’ve recently had Covid – can I book?
Please do not book into a clinic within 4 weeks of your positive covid result.
Which vaccine will I get?
In line with JCVI instruction, we will be offering the Pfizer vaccine – this is recommended even if you had a different vaccine for your first and second dose.
Can I have another vaccine, such as flu, within 7 days of my Covid Booster?
Yes, with the exception of Shingles – please leave a 7 day gap between any shingles and covid vaccine bookings.
Will I need to wait afterwards?
Yes – The MHRA still requires us to observe patients for 15 minutes post administration of the Pfizer vaccine.
Where can I park?
Parking is free here at the surgery. If the car park is full, pay & display car parks are available across the road at The Dolphin Centre, or down the road next to The Pangbourne Club.
Why can’t I see my covid booster on the NHS App?
The NHS App does not yet have the function to show a 3rd or booster dose – we understand plans are in place to update this.
I’m housebound – how will I get my vaccine?
We will be in touch to organise housebound visits – please wait to hear from us.
We look forward to seeing many of you again at a clinic soon!