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Flu

FLU VACCINATIONS

Book Your Annual Flu Vaccination at Cerne Abbas Surgery

 

Cerne Abbas Surgery is now taking bookings for this year’s annual flu vaccination. Protecting yourself against flu is especially important, as it can cause serious illness for those at higher risk.

 

How to book:

  • Patients with a mobile number or email address will receive an invitation with a link to book their appointment online.
  • If you are unable to book online, you can contact the surgery directly and we will be happy to help.
  • For patients without a mobile number or email address, we will be phoning you to arrange an appointment.

 

If you believe you are eligible but have not yet received an invite, please call or pop into the surgery to book.

 

Eligibility criteria:
You are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine if you:

 

  • Are aged 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2026)
  • Have certain long-term health conditions (such as diabetes, asthma, heart, kidney or liver disease, weakened immune system, etc.)
  • Are pregnant
  • Are a carer, or receive a carer’s allowance
  • Live with someone who is immunocompromised
  • Are a frontline health or social care worker
  • Children aged 2–3 years (on 31 August 2025) can also receive the nasal spray vaccine at the surgery. School-aged children will usually be offered this through their school.

 

Booking early helps us to organise clinics smoothly and ensures you are protected before flu season peaks.


Published on 27th Sep 2025

Important Update: Changes to the Cervical Screening Programme

The NHS Cervical Screening Programme in England is changing, and we’d like to keep our patients informed about what to expect.

What’s changing?
From July 2025, the programme will adopt a more advanced approach known as HPV Primary Screening. This means:

  • Cervical screening samples will be tested first for high-risk types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

  • If high-risk HPV is not found, no further testing is needed, and the patient will be invited again in 5 years, even if they are under 50.

  • If high-risk HPV is detected, the sample will then be checked for abnormal cells, and further monitoring or treatment will be arranged if needed.

Changes to how often you’ll be invited for screening:

  • All eligible women and people with a cervix aged 25–64 will continue to be invited.

  • Under the new approach, if your screening result is HPV negative:

    • You will be invited every 5 years, regardless of your age (previously, it was every 3 years for those aged 25–49).

    • If HPV is detected, screening intervals and follow-up will depend on the results and clinical advice.

Why the change?
HPV testing is more effective at identifying those at risk of cervical cancer. This means fewer people will need to be screened as often, and those who do need further care can be identified and supported sooner.

What stays the same?

  • You will still receive a screening invitation when you're due.

  • The test procedure at your appointment remains the same.

  • Screening continues to be one of the best ways to protect yourself against cervical cancer.

If you have any questions or would like to book your screening, please contact the surgery.
Your screening could save your life – please don’t delay if you're invited.

For further information, please visit: Cervical screening - The Eve Appeal


Published on 3rd Jul 2025

Changes to Medication Ordering Times

🏥 Important Notice

Changes to Medication Ordering Times

Due to increased demand on our dispensary, we are asking all patients to order their medication further in advance.
This allows us enough time to safely and accurately prepare your prescriptions.

⏱️ Minimum Notice Required: 3 Clear Working Days

  • This does NOT include:
    ❌ The day you place your order
    ❌ The day you collect your medication
    ❌ Weekends

📅 Example:
If you order on a Monday, your medication will be ready for collection on Friday.

✅ To Avoid Delays:

We strongly recommend ordering your medication at least 7 days before you run out,
whether ordering online or handing in your repeat prescription slip.

🙏 Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
— Your Dispensary Team


Published on 27th Jun 2025

Page last reviewed: 27 September 2025
Page created: 02 September 2024