The recent sudden drop in temperature reminds us all that autumn is just around the corner and with it the increased risk of upper respiratory infections and flu-like illnesses. In order to help protect you against winter infections, we will again be offering our nurse-led flu immunisation clinics on Friday 4th, Saturday 5th, Monday 14th and Saturday 26th October. In addition to the annual influenza vaccine, there is also the opportunity to receive other winter vaccines against pneumonia, shingles and the new RSV Vaccine (against Respiratory Syncytial Virus).
PLEASE NOTE THAT NASAL FLU VACCINES FOR CHILDREN ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
What do vaccines cost?
As every year, booking your flu vaccine with the nurse will not incur a consultation fee, but if you want to book an
| Flu vaccine | £35 |
| Pneumonia | £100 |
| Shingles (2 doses given 2 months apart) | £240 per dose |
| Arexvy (RSV vaccine for over 60’s) | £275 |
| Abrysvo (RSV vaccine for pregnant women after the 28th week of pregnancy) | £275 |
Covid vaccines will continue to be available via the NHS for the following groups:
- Over-64s
- People aged between six months and 64 years with health conditions that make them more vulnerable
- People living in care homes for older people
- Front-line health and social-care staff, including in care homes for older people.
It is expected that there will be a combined COVID/ influenza vaccine in Autumn 2025.
What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?
For most people, RSV causes a mild illness with cold-like symptoms and recovery within a week. However, for babies under the age of 1 and the over 75’s there is a greater risk of hospitalisation with more severe forms of RSV which can sadly be fatal.
In babies and infants, RSV can cause a condition called bronchiolitis which leads to inflammation of the airways and significant breathing difficulties characterised by a runny or blocked nose, fever, cough and rapid breathing (respiratory rate of up to 60 breaths per minute). There is no specific treatment, and the majority of infants improve after symptoms reach their peak on day 3 of the illness. Struggling to breathe, however, can lead to some babies becoming exhausted, at which point admission to hospital for oxygen therapy may be necessary (33,000 admissions for children under 5 last year).
Warning symptoms that your baby may be struggling include:
- Persistent rapid breathing (more than 60 breaths per minute)
- Reluctance to feed
- Lethargy
- Difficulty in being comforted
If any of the above symptoms are present, then you should contact us immediately for further advice.
Who can have the RSV vaccine?
RSV vaccine (which is not a ‘live vaccine’) was introduced nationally on the 1st of September specifically for those over the age of 75 (Arexvy) and for pregnant women after 28 weeks gestation (Abrysvo) to promote formation of antibodies that then pass through the placenta to the baby. Studies show that this provides protection for up to 6 months after birth.
We are hoping that a vaccine for babies which is currently being administered in some countries (to babies up to 8 months of age) such as the United States will soon be approved for use in the UK. Like pneumonia, this is a single dose vaccine without the need for boosters. Although the NHS are only offering Arexvy to over 75-year-olds, it has a product license to be given to individuals aged 60 years and older.
Does the RSV Vaccine work?
Yes indeed- a paper published last month in the Journal of the American Medical Society (JAMA) demonstrated a 75% reduction in hospital admissions in vaccinated patients compared to a control group who had not been vaccinated.
What are the RSV Vaccine side effects?
The most common side effects of the RSV vaccine are mild and do not last long. They can include:
- Swelling or pain where the injection was given
- A headache
- An aching body
More serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction are very rare.
Is the RSV vaccine safe for my baby?
Studies have shown that having the vaccine during pregnancy is much safer than the risk of your baby getting RSV.
Many thousands of pregnant women have now had the RSV vaccine around the world.
Please contact the reception team or email enquiries@courtfieldpp.co.uk, if you have any questions and/or to book an appointment with the nurse. Please indicate whether you would like to receive any additional vaccines to the flu vaccine, so that we can make sure we have it in stock for your appointment. It would be helpful if you were able to pay for the vaccine(s) at the time of booking.