Protect Yourself This Winter 💙

As we approach the autumn and winter months, influenza, respiratory viruses and other seasonal infections become more common. Stay safe by booking your vaccines in with Sloane Medical Practice

FLU VACCINES

Flu vaccinations are now available at Sloane Medical Practice

As we head into the autumn and winter months, now is the time to think about protecting yourself and your family against seasonal influenza.

Flu is more than just a bad cold. For some people, it can cause significant illness and complications. The flu vaccine remains one of the most effective ways of reducing your risk of becoming seriously unwell with flu.

What’s new for the 2026/27 flu season?

Flu viruses can change from year to year, which is why the flu vaccine is updated each season.

For the 2026/27 season, all recommended flu vaccines in the UK are trivalent, designed to protect against three influenza strains expected to circulate this winter.

This means that even if you had your flu vaccination last year, it is important to consider being vaccinated again this season.

Who should consider having a flu vaccine?

Flu vaccination is particularly important for people who may be at greater risk of becoming seriously unwell, including:

• Adults aged 65 and over
• Pregnant women
• People with certain long-term health conditions
• People with a weakened immune system
• Carers and those who live with someone who is immunosuppressed
• Children and young people in eligible or clinical risk groups

However, you do not necessarily need to fall within an NHS risk group to choose to protect yourself against flu privately.

At Sloane Medical Practice, we can advise you on the most appropriate flu vaccine for your age and individual circumstances.

Why have the flu vaccine?

Having your seasonal flu vaccination can help:

✓ Reduce your risk of catching flu
✓ Reduce the severity of illness if you do become infected
✓ Reduce the risk of serious complications
✓ Protect vulnerable family members and those around you
✓ Keep you well throughout the busy winter months

Different vaccines for different age groups

There are several types of flu vaccine available for the 2026/27 season, and the most appropriate vaccine can vary depending on your age and individual clinical circumstances.

For example, the cell-based trivalent influenza vaccine is licensed from 6 months of age, while additional vaccine options are available and recommended for older adults.

Our clinical team will ensure that the vaccine offered is appropriate for you.

Don’t wait until flu is circulating

Flu typically circulates more widely during the winter months. Vaccination in the autumn gives your immune system time to develop protection before flu activity reaches its peak.

RSV AND SHINGLES

Shingles Vaccination

Shingles is caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus and becomes more common with increasing age. It can cause a painful rash and, in some people, long-lasting nerve pain or other complications.

The NHS offers Shingrix® to eligible patients, including adults turning 65 years, those aged 70–79 years who remain eligible under the catch-up programme, and adults aged 50 years and over with severe immunosuppression.

Private vaccination may be appropriate if you are 50 years or older, wish to receive protection before becoming eligible on the NHS, or have missed the catch-up programme.

Even if you have previously had shingles, or received the older Zostavax® vaccine, you should still consider vaccination with Shingrix®, which provides stronger and longer-lasting protection.

A full course consists of two doses, given 2–6 months apart.

Cost:

£355 - per dose

(£275 vaccine plus £80 injection fee)
£275 - per dose when administered as part of a medical check-up or consultation

RSV Vaccination

RSV is a common virus that often causes symptoms similar to a cold. However, in older adults it can lead to pneumonia, hospital admission and worsening of chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD and heart disease.

The NHS currently offers RSV vaccination to adults aged 75–79 years and to pregnant women from 28 weeks' gestation. If you are over 60 but are not eligible for NHS vaccination, private vaccination may still be appropriate, particularly if you have underlying heart, lung or kidney disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system.

RSV vaccination is currently given as a single dose.

Cost:

£360 - (£280 vaccine plus £80 injection fee)
£280 - when administered as part of a medical check-up or consultation

Side Effects

Both vaccines are generally very well tolerated. The most common side effects are temporary and include soreness at the injection site, tiredness, muscle aches, headache and a mild fever. These symptoms usually settle within a few days and are a normal sign that your immune system is responding to the vaccine.

We'd Be Happy to Advise

If you are unsure whether either vaccine is appropriate for you, please contact the practice on 0207 235 3002. Our doctors can advise on your individual risk factors and whether RSV or shingles vaccination would be beneficial as part of your ongoing healthcare.We look forward to continuing to support your health and wellbeing throughout the year.

Thank You

We’re grateful for our amazing patients! Thanks to your support, this year at Sloane Medical Practice will be filled with new services, improved experiences, and care designed just for you 😊 We look forward to supporting your health throughout 2026.

Warm Regards,

Sloane Medical Practice