This autumn, surgeries in Thetford are encouraging everyone eligible to get protected with both their flu and covid vaccinations. Vaccines remain one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves and those around us, especially as we head into the colder months.
What’s New for 2025?
Eligibility for the covid vaccine has changed. This year, covid boosters are only being offered to:
- People aged 75 and over
- Residents in older adult care homes
- People with specific medical conditions that suppress their immune system
In contrast, the flu vaccine remains available to a much wider group, including:
- People aged 65 and over
- Pregnant women
- Carers
- People with certain health conditions
- Young children
This means there are more people eligible for the flu jab that may not be eligible for the covid booster unlike previous years.
Where Will Vaccines Be Given?
Because of the difference in eligibility, we’ve designed the programme to make things as simple and efficient as possible:
- Flu only (aged 65+ or eligible but not having covid) – you’ll be invited to your usual GP surgery: Grove or School Lane.
- Flu and covid together – you’ll need to attend a covid vaccination clinic at the Healthy Living Centre (HLC).
- Covid only – you’ll also need to attend the HLC.
Your surgery will ensure you’re booked into the right place at the right time.
Flu Vaccine Clinics at Grove & School Lane
There are dedicated flu clinic Saturdays on the way, to help get as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible:
- Saturday 11 October 2025
- Saturday 18 October 2025
Appointments will be available to book soon. Prefer a weekday? Smaller flu clinics will also be offered throughout the autumn and ad hoc when if you come into the surgery.
If you are housebound and would like a flu vaccination, a team will be coming to your home to deliver it. If you’re also eligible for the covid vaccine, they will offer it during the same visit.
The date for this is to be confirmed and the surgery will contact you. Please note: being housebound alone does not make you eligible for a covid booster, but does qualify you for the flu vaccine.
Why It Matters
Flu and covid are not just “bad colds.” They can lead to serious illness, especially for older adults, pregnant women, or those with underlying health conditions. Vaccination helps reduce this risk and because the flu strain changes every year, it’s important to get vaccinated annually.
What Happens Next?
Eligible patients already started being contacted. Text messages with links to book an appointment have been sent. If yuo don’t have your mobile number, they’ll be in touch by phone.
There’s no need to call us, they’;l contact you. Keep an eye on your practice website or Facebook page for the latest updates.
Marc Rolph
Business Manager
School Lane Surgery
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