Townhead Surgeries

07/09/2026

Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations 2026

Protect Yourself This Winter

Our Autumn 2026 vaccination programme will begin from September and October 2026. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, your family and the NHS from serious illness caused by flu and COVID-19. Eligible patients are being invited via text, NHS app or NHS letter

Flu Vaccinations

Who can have a free NHS flu vaccine?

From 1 September 2026
The flu vaccine is available for:
• Pregnant women
• Children aged 2 and 3 years on 31 August 2026
• Primary and secondary school-aged children (Reception to Year 11)
• Children aged 6 months to under 18 years who are in a clinical risk group

From 1 October 2026
The flu vaccine is available for:
• Adults aged 65 years and over
• Adults aged 18 to 64 years in a clinical risk group
• Residents of long-stay care homes
• Carers
• Close contacts of people with weakened immune systems
• Eligible frontline social care workers

COVID-19 Vaccinations

The Government has accepted advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for the Autumn 2026 COVID-19 programme. Eligible patients will be offered a COVID-19 booster from 1st October 2026.
Who is eligible?
• Adults aged 75 years and over
• Residents in care homes for older adults
• People aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed (have a significantly weakened immune system)

Can I Have Both Vaccines Together?

Yes. If you are eligible for both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, you may be offered both vaccinations at the same appointment where clinically appropriate. This is safe, effective and helps provide protection before winter pressures increase.

How Will I Be Invited?

Eligible patients will receive an invitation by:
• Text message
• NHS App
• Phone call (where appropriate)
Please ensure the practice has your current mobile number, email address and home address so that we can contact you.

Why Vaccination Is Important

Flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness, particularly in older adults, pregnant women, people with long-term health conditions and those with weakened immune systems. Vaccination helps to:
• Reduce your risk of serious illness and hospital admission
• Protect vulnerable friends and family members
• Help reduce pressure on NHS services during winter
• Lower the spread of infection within the community

Frequently Asked Questions

I had a vaccine last year. Do I still need one this year?

Yes. Protection from both flu and COVID-19 vaccines reduces over time, and vaccine formulations are updated to provide the best protection against currently circulating strains.

Can I have the vaccine if I am pregnant?

Yes. The flu vaccine is recommended during pregnancy and helps protect both mother and baby.

What if I think I am eligible but haven't been contacted?
Please contact the practice and we will be happy to check your eligibility.
Book Your Appointment

Appointments are currently being booked - Eligible patients will be invited automatically.

If you have not received a link to book, or would prefer to book by phone, please contact us and our team will be happy to help.

For further information, please speak to a member of our team or visit the NHS website
Flu vaccine - NHS
COVID-19 vaccine - NHS

Help protect yourself this winter – don't delay your vaccination. 💉❄️

02/09/2026

We are closed for training this afternoon( Weds 2nd Spetember). Hellifield will close at 12.15pm and Settle at 1pm. Both surgeries will re-open tomorrow at the usual times tomorrow. If you have an urgent enquiry please call 111 or 999 in a medical emergency. Thank you
** our training afternoons will now fall on the first Wednesday of the month**

26/08/2026

If you would like help with downloading and navigating the NHS App, we are running more sessions on Wednesday mornings. Please call the surgery on 01729 822611 to book in. Thank you Townhead

24/08/2026

Covid Autumn Booster - 2026

From 1st October, we will be offering Covid vaccinations , within the next few weeks links will be sent to patients who qualify to allow online booking

If you book into Covid Clinic, a Flu vaccine will be offered at the same time- no need to make a separate booking

Appointments will be available at both Towhead Settle and Hellifield

As with previous years the covid vaccine is only available for anyone 75 or over or who will be 75 before the end of Jan 2027 or immunosuppressed.

The surgery is not part of the national booking system - if you would like a vaccine with us then you will need to book via the link once sent or direct with reception

We have secured sufficient vaccine to cover every patient who qualifies - please support your local surgery

11/08/2026

We have a vacancy for an evening cleaner. Monday - Friday either 2/3 hours a night starting at 6pm. We would consider interest from individuals or cleaning companies. Please contact the surgery on 01729 822611 and ask to speak with Kirsty Kilburn for more details. Thank you

29/07/2026

This is a reminder that Hellifield surgery will be closed on Friday 31st July and re-open at 9am on Monday 3rd August. Thank you

28/07/2026

We have a new social prescriber working alongside the surgery – Richard Naylor who is available every Tuesday at The Place in Settle and every other Tuesday afternoon at the surgery in Hellifield
If you would like an appointment, please book via Townhead reception
Clink on the link below which explains how a social prescriber can help you

NHS England » Social prescribing

28/07/2026

We have social prescriber, at Hellifield surgery every other Tuesday afternoon from today Tuesday 28th July -please contact reception to book and link below show how they can help

NHS England » Social prescribing

14/07/2026

Both settle and hellifield surgeries are closed this afternoon ( Tuesday 14th July) for staff training. They will re-open at the usual time tomorrow (Wednesday 15th July) Thank you Townhead

02/07/2026

Current vacancy