Ardleigh Surgery

20/07/2026

New MenB vaccination programme for eligible young people

A new NHS vaccination programme is offering protection against meningococcal B (MenB) disease to eligible young people across England.
The vaccine is being offered as a one-off programme to help protect those at highest risk before they start university or residential higher education in autumn 2026.
MenB disease is rare but can be very serious. It can cause meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia), which can lead to life-changing disabilities or death.
You may be eligible if you:
• Are currently in Year 13 (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008).
• Are under 25 and starting university for the first time in autumn 2026.
• Are under 25 and starting residential further education for the first time in autumn 2026.
All eligible Year 13 students can receive the vaccine, regardless of whether they plan to go to university or college.
You need two doses of the MenB vaccine for the best protection.
• The first dose will be offered from July 2026.
• The second dose should be given at least four weeks later.
• Both doses are needed to help protect against MenB disease.

You do not need to wait for an invitation from the NHS before booking your MenB vaccinations.
Book your appointment via:
The national booking service: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-a-menb-vaccination-appointment
We cannot give or book your vaccine here at the GP Surgery

Book, change or cancel a MenB vaccination appointment online.

17/07/2026

🎓 **Is your teenager heading to university this autumn?**

A new NHS vaccination programme is helping protect eligible young people against meningococcal B (MenB) – a rare but serious infection that can cause meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia).

Earlier this year, a MenB outbreak linked to a university in Kent sadly resulted in two deaths. While cases are uncommon, young people living in shared accommodation at university are at increased risk because the bacteria can spread through close contact.

That's why the NHS is offering a one-off MenB vaccination programme before the start of the new academic year.

Your child may be eligible if they are:

✅ In Year 13 (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008)
✅ Under 25 and starting university for the first time this autumn
✅ Under 25 and starting residential further education for the first time this autumn

Even if they've already had the MenACWY vaccine at school, they should still have the MenB vaccine if they're eligible, as it protects against a different strain of meningococcal disease.

📅 Bookings open on Monday 13 July. There's no need to wait for an NHS invitation.

💙 The vaccine is available at 246 community pharmacies across Essex.

For the best protection, book both vaccination appointments through the national booking service. The two doses need to be given at least four weeks apart before the start of term.

👉 Find out more and book your appointments. See link in first comment.

Please share this post with parents, carers and families of young people who are preparing to leave for university or residential college this autumn.

21/06/2026

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/

Find out how to keep cool and safe in a heatwave, and who is most at risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

10/06/2026

Reminder: The Surgery will be closed Tuesday 16th June from 12 noon - 6.30pm for mandatory training.
We will re-open the following day as usual at 8am.
If you require urgent medical attention during this time, please call 111 or in event of a medical emergency, please call 999.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

20/05/2026

Please be reminded that our car park is reserved for disabled parking and parents with babies only.

We have recently seen an increase in vehicles blocking the entrance and exit to the surgery. This can create serious safety concerns, particularly if the duty doctor needs to leave urgently, an ambulance requires immediate access, or patients with mobility difficulties need safe entry and exit.

We kindly ask all patients to park considerately and help us keep access clear at all times.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

14/05/2026

Reminder: The Surgery will be closed Tuesday 19th May from 12 noon - 6.30pm for mandatory training.
We will re-open the following day as usual at 8am.
If you require urgent medical attention during this time, please call 111 or in event of a medical emergency, please call 999.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

13/05/2026

Reminder:
The Surgery will be closed Monday 25th May (bank holiday).
We will re-open the following day as usual at 8am.
If you require urgent medical attention during this time, please call 111 or in event of a medical emergency, please call 999.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

07/05/2026

Dr Lenart- I'm Marching for Men!

This June I’ll be taking on a lifesaving walk towards a better future for men.

Your donation can make a huge difference to the 1 in 8 men who will get prostate cancer. It could help fund lifesaving research and provide vital support services to men and their families who are navigating this disease.

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in August 2025 and have since had treatment which will hopefully see me cured - only time will tell. The treatment and support we have had has been amazing. However, I did not really have any significant symptoms and my cancer was only picked up relatively incidentally. This has highlighted to me how much more research is needed to develop more accurate screening and testing, and my wife and I are keen to help raise money to achieve this as well as promote the excellent support we have had before, during and after my treatment.

Thank you.

Any contribution to Dr Lenarts fund page would be greatly appreciated and will help support important research and ongoing efforts.

I'm raising money for Prostate Cancer UK by taking part in March for Men in June

07/05/2026