Overton Park Surgery will be running Flu and COVID-19 booster vaccination clinics at Cheltenham Fire Station, from Saturday 14th October.
These clinics will be for pre-booked appointments only, if you are eligible for either vaccination, we will contact you to arrange an appointment. You only need to book a single appointment for both vaccinations. You do not need to call the surgery to book your appointment.
We will be texting patients with a booking link that you will be able to use to book your appointment, you will also be able to decline your vaccination/s via this link if you do not want to have a flu or COVID-19 booster vaccination this year.
If we are unable to contact you via text message, we will call you to book your appointment, or send you a letter if we are unable to contact you by phone.
If you have received an invitation text but are having difficulty booking your appointment, please call reception on 01242 580511 – please note that our busiest times are 8:30am and 2pm when our phone lines open, we would please ask that you avoid calling at these times unless your query is urgent.
Please see below for more information regarding vaccinations.
COVID-19 Booster Vaccinations
Who is eligible?
The seasonal COVID-19 vaccine is available to patients that are at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. For example, this may be due to a health condition or your age.
How effective is the vaccine?
Research has shown the vaccine helps:
- reduce your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19
- reduce your risk of catching and spreading COVID-19
- protect against different strains (variants) of COVID-19
Seasonal vaccines are offered because protection fades over time.
A vaccine helps give you good protection from becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital if you catch COVID-19.
You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine.
Risks and side effects
Most side effects are mild and should not last longer than a week, such as:
- a sore arm from the injection
- feeling tired
- a headache
- feeling achy
- mild flu-like symptoms
- feeling or being sick
If you experience any of these side effects you should rest and you can also take pain relief such as paracetamol to help you feel better.
If your symptoms are getting worse or you are concerned about them, please call the surgery or NSH 111.
Very rare side effects of COVID-19 vaccination:
- Allergic reactions
Though rare, some people may have an allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccination, however or staff are trained on what to do should a reaction occur, and our vaccination leads will be available in case of emergencies, and for advice if you have any concerns or queries regarding either vaccination.
If you’ve ever had a serious allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis), tell healthcare staff before you’re vaccinated.
If you are unsure about any allergies or past reactions please let us know and we will be able to check your medical record before administering any vaccinations.
- Heart inflammation (myocarditis)
There have been rare cases of inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) reported after COVID-19 vaccination. Most people who had this recovered following rest and simple treatments.
You should go to A&E or call 999 if you have any of these symptoms within a few days of being vaccinated:
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart (palpitations)
Seasonal Influenza Vaccinations
Who is eligible?
Those who…
- are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
- have certain health conditions
- are pregnant
- are in long-stay residential care
- receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
- live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
How effective is the vaccine?
Vaccination gives the best protection against flu.
Flu vaccines help protect against the main types of flu viruses, although there’s still a chance you might get flu.
If you do get flu after vaccination, it’s likely to be milder and not last as long.
Having a flu vaccine may help stop you spreading flu to other people who could be more at risk of serious problems from flu.
It can take 10 to 14 days for the flu vaccine to work.
Risks and side effects
Most side effects are mild and only last for a day or so, such as:
- a slightly raised temperature
- muscle aches
- sore arm where the needle went in
Allergic reactions
If you have an egg allergy, or if you have ever had a serious allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis), please inform healthcare staff before you are vaccinated.
If you are unsure about any allergies or past reactions please let us know and we will be able to check your medical record before administering any vaccinations.
It’s very rare for anyone to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to the flu vaccine, however or staff are trained on what to do should a reaction occur, and our vaccination leads will be available in case of emergencies, and for advice if you have any concerns or queries regarding either vaccination.
More information, including information leaflets on the specific vaccines we are using, will be available at the vaccination clinics.
If you have any queries or concerns, please inform healthcare staff before you are vaccinated.
Information available from Vaccinations – NHS (www.nhs.uk)