For some, particularly older people and those with a weakened immune system, COVID-19 can still be very dangerous and even life-threatening. COVID-19 vaccines offered by the NHS provide protection against the virus and help reduce the risk of serious illness. The vaccine has saved countless lives, prevented thousands from needing to go to hospital and helped us to live with the virus without fear or restrictions.
Protection against COVID-19 (either from catching the virus or from a previous vaccination) can fade over time and the virus can change so if you are at higher risk of severe illness, it is important that you top up your protection.
Who is eligible for the COVID vaccine?
The COVID vaccination eligibility for the Autumn/Winter 2025 programme is different to in previous years.
The following groups are eligible for the vaccine, but not before 1st October 2025 (this includes from pharmacies):
- those aged 75-years and over
- those aged 6-months to under 75-years who belong to clinically at-risk groups
- housebound patients (these vaccinations will be delivered by Andrew’s Pharmacy, on behalf of Middlewood)
- older adults living in long-stay residential care homes or nursing homes
Who is eligible for the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccination eligibility for the Autumn/Winter 2025 programme is the same as it was in 2024.
The following groups are eligible for the vaccine, but not before 1st September 2025 (this includes from pharmacies):
- children aged 2 to 3 years old on 31st August 2025
- pregnant women
Additionally, the following groups are also eligible for the vaccine, but not before 1st October 2025 (this includes from pharmacies):
- those aged 65-years and over
- those aged 18 to 75 with a health condition that places them at risk from flu (e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurological conditions, asthma, COPD, coeliac disease and patients who are immunosuppressed)
- people who receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if the carer gets sick
- close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- people who receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if the carer gets sick
- close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- primary school aged children and secondary school children in years 7-11 (please be aware that these vaccinations will be offered by the child’s school)
Do these vaccinations protect me from both flu and COVID?
No – protection and flu and COVID are provided by two separate vaccines. However, patients who are eligible for both vaccinations will be given both during the same appointment.
Additionally, RSV vaccinations now take place throughout the year, and we encourage eligible patients to accept the offer of an appointment when they receive an invitation.
When are the clinics scheduled?
Vaccination clinics are scheduled as follows:
How do I book?
All appointments will be by invitation only. If you are an eligible patient, you will be invited to book an appointment using a self-booking link by text message, or by a telephone call/letter if we don’t have a mobile telephone number on your record.
Please note, we are unable to see any patients on a walk-in basis, as clinics are only stocked with enough vaccines to cover the patients booked in.
Often, patients under the age of 75 or who are not severely immunosuppressed who wish to have the COVID vaccination are able to receive the vaccine from private providers, for a charge. We will update this page with specific details of providers in our area once this information is clear.
How and where will I receive the vaccine?
While we are offering some vaccination clinics at our surgeries (Bollington Medical Centre and The Schoolhouse Surgery), the majority of our clinics are scheduled to take place at Poynton Civic Hall.
When attending a vaccination clinic, we ask that patients attend the clinics alone where possible and for patients not to attend their appointments too early; these clinics are extremely busy and we have limited space at the venues, additionally with the recent implementation of parking charges in Poynton and Disley, you may mean you incur a charge for your stay if you arrive too early.
Once you check in at the clinic, you will be directed to one of our vaccination stations, where we will confirm your information and check some details about your general health and any medications you may be taking; this is also your opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the vaccine and after care.