Important:

Meningitis in Kent: We understand recent cases may cause concern. As they are not in our area, there is no immediate risk. For info on symptoms and vaccines, click here.

Covid and Flu Vaccination Information

The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine is safe and effective. It gives you the best protection against coronavirus.

 

Important

We are currently in the process of inviting eligible patients for their Spring Covid and RSV Vaccination.

For more information regarding the RSV vaccine, go to our page here

Covid Vaccination Eligibility

  • residents in a care home for older adults
  • all adults aged 75 years and over
  • Persons who are over the age of 18 and are immunosuppressed

Flu Vaccination Eligibility

  • Those aged 65 years and over 
  • Those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups
  • Those in long-stay residential care homes

It does not matter which Covid vaccine you have had previously. Please be reassured you will be contacted when it is your turn for the vaccines.

This year, patients can book a clinic appointment at a time and date that suits them using the online booking link. This link will be sent to all eligible patients who have consented to receive text messages from the practice. Please be reassured that this is not spam or a scam. 

Patients who have not consented to receive text messages will receive a letter instead. Please bring this letter with you to the clinic.

When are the Covid clinics?

Due to eligibility changes this year, it’s very important that you attend the appointment date provided in your letter or text invite.

If you are unable to attend the initial date, an alternative date will be included in your letter, or you can use the booking link in your text to choose from the available days and times.

If you experience any difficulties, please contact the practice for support.

Covid  Clinics

Please note that at each clinic, there will be scheduled breaks from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM for vaccine preparation and decontamination. No vaccinations will be administered during these times.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

I cannot make the time given to me in my invitation letter.

We strongly encourage patients to make every effort to attend for these important vaccinations on the date and time given to you or the time/date you've booked. Appointments are spread across the day to avoid over-crowding and queues to keep people safe.  If you are unable to attend the appointment date and time, an alternative date has been given to you in your letter. You do not need to contact the surgery to say you are coming at another day/time.

My spouse/partner has been sent an appointment to one of the clinics, but it’s at a different time. Can we come together?

We have tried to ensure household members are given the same appointment time, but this is not always possible if their first names are at different ends of the alphabet. Households or those who are sharing transport arrangements who have both been sent an invitation are welcome to come together at the same time – you do not need to phone us to advise this, just turn up together with your respective invitation letters.

 

Why are the Covid Clinics not held at Monks Park Surgery?

There are a set number of sites authorised and approved to administer the Covid vaccinations. All chosen sites have good access, parking and enable us to minimise the impact on our other services.

I cannot get to the location- what do I do?

We hope that most people will have a friend, neighbour or relative who will be able to bring them to the clinic if they are unable to drive themselves – this is one reason why we have scheduled the clinics at weekends rather than during the working week. The local community transport helplines serve communities across Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire.

Bristol

Find details on: Bristol City Council (bristol.gov.uk)

Details for Community and disabled persons transport (bristol.gov.uk)

North Somerset

Find details on North Somerset Online Directory (n-somerset.gov.uk)

Connect on 01934 888 801.

South Gloucestershire

Find details on: South Gloucestershire Council (southglos.gov.uk)

For further information: Community transport (southglos.gov.uk)

How are the vaccines administered?

Covid vaccinations are normally administered into your arm.

Do I need to bring my invitation letter to the vaccination clinic?

Yes, it is essential that you bring your letter as it includes your personal details which are needed to record your vaccination status. Should you forget to bring your letter, you will be asked for these details so we can add the vaccination to your health record.

I am not over 75 or at risk, can I have the Spring booster?

No, unless you have received an invitation letter or text message from us you cannot have a vaccination at these clinics.

I have also received a Covid letter from NHS England

You may receive a letter directly from NHS England, and should you wish to book onto the National Booking Centre please do so. The link to book or manage your Covid vaccination with NHS is below.

Book, cancel or change a COVID-19 vaccination appointment - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

I don’t want the vaccines.

Not a problem, please let us know by ringing the surgery, and we can mark your record as ‘declined’.

I don’t want the vaccinations; I have told my surgery, but I have still received a letter.

If you have previously told the surgery that you don’t want the Covid or Flu vaccination, but you have received a letter, we apologise and understand that this could be frustrating for you. Your decision to refuse the vaccinations is only valid per vaccine. You may have changed your mind since we last got in touch and we want to ensure every eligible patient has access to the choice of having a vaccine. This means you will need to inform the surgery so we can mark your record as declined.

Can i have the vaccines if i am feeling unwell or taking certain medications?

  • As long as the you do not have a high temperature and feels well enough to attend, we are able to vaccinate. 

  • If you do not feel well enough to attend, please to attend one of the mop-up clinics. 

  • Most medications do not interfere with the vaccine, but if you are  concerned, please speak to a clinician on the day. 

Where can I go for a vaccination if the clinics have finished?

We will soon be finishing our Covid Vaccination Clinics, with our last clinics on the 26th and 27th April.

Healthier Together website with information of walk in clinics or other options to find a vaccination:

COVID-19 vaccination - BNSSG Healthier Together

Also to book an appointment online at:

Book, change, or cancel a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online - NHS

Eligible patient's will be able to access a Covid vaccination until the 17th June 2025. 

If I am housebound, when will I have my vaccine?

If you are a housebound patient we will be in contact with you soon to inform you when we will be visiting. 

Please note: a patient is considered housebound if they are unable to leave their home due to illness, disability, or mobility difficulties.

If you are not housebound but your accessibility is limited, a member of the team can vaccinate you in the car at the clinic. 

 

Does the flu vaccine contain egg?

Under 65's vaccine is a flucelvax is cell based which does not contain egg. 

Over 65s vaccine does contain egg, however those who are egg intolerant can still have the vaccine. Anyone who has an EpiPen or had an anaphylaxis shock from egg before is advise to consult the clinician at the clinic before the vaccine is administered.