Additional Walk-in NHS flu vaccination clinics available in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

Due to the current increase in the rates of flu and other respiratory infections, extra drop-in clinics are running for those eligible to get their free NHS flu vaccine and/or their seasonal COVID-19 booster vaccination.  Clinics are listed below and are being regularly updated on the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB website.

Pregnant women, and those aged 75-79 and people who turned 80 after 1 September 2024, are also encouraged to take up the offer of RSV vaccination, which helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus, commonly referred to as RSV. RSV can make young babies and older adults seriously ill, and protection is passed on to babies through the placenta when the vaccination is taken up during pregnancy.

Not too late to have your vaccination

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly are encouraging those eligible to come forward for vaccination ahead of Christmas. During the holidays we all spend more time indoors and socialise more, making it easier for viruses to spread and putting those more vulnerable at increased risk.

A comprehensive vaccination programme has been underway in Cornwall since early autumn, with most GP surgeries having already completed their delivery at the end of November.

Local pharmacies have also been offering vaccination appointments, and many continue to do so throughout the winter months. Some local pharmacies have walk-in availability, whilst others offer appointments bookable online.

Iain Davidson, Chief Pharmacist at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust said: “Every year, I see how much illness and suffering the flu causes, and how much of it is preventable. The vaccines we're offering are safe and well-established. They are given to millions of people each year safely, and they're one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself and the people you love this winter.”

Who is eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination?

• pregnant women;
• those aged 65 years and over;
• people in clinical risk groups such as those with asthma, COPD, kidney, heart and liver disease;
• people living in long-stay residential care homes;
• carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person;
• close contacts of immunocompromised individuals;
• frontline health and care workers;
• school-aged-children;
• 2- and 3-year-old children.

Who is eligible for the COVID-19 seasonal booster vaccination?

• People aged 75 and over;
• People who are immunosuppressed;
• People living in long-stay residential care homes.

Pain-free flu protection for 2- and 3-year-olds, and school-aged children

Children are often described as 'superspreaders' of flu, as they pick up and transmit the virus easily, frequently passing it on to grandparents and other vulnerable family members. That’s why it’s important to vaccinate school-aged children, and children aged 2 and 3.

The free flu vaccine does not only protect them from serious illness, but also helps reduce the spread to those around them. Furthermore, the vaccine to children is delivered as a simple nasal spray rather than an injection, making it quick and pain-free.

The immunisation programme for school-aged-children is still underway – with catch up clinics running for those who may have missed or been unwell during school visits, or children who are home educated. These free clinics are available throughout December and January, and parents and guardians should contact the School Immunisation Service on 01872 221105 for more information.

Parents and carers of 2- and 3-year-old children should visit the NHS website and book a flu vaccination appointment at their local pharmacy, or contact their GP surgery for an appointment.

Where can I have a free NHS flu and COVID-19 vaccination?

Please see the list of walk-in NHS vaccination clinics below, offering the free flu jab and the COVID-19 seasonal booster vaccinations to those eligible.

More clinic locations, dates and times will be published regularly during the programme, so please check the NHS website if the current list of clinics does not include a clinic near you, or at a time and date suitable to you. 

You can also check availability at your local pharmacy on the NHS website, or contact your GP surgery as they may still offer winter vaccinations.

NHS walk-in flu and COVID-19 clinics in Cornwall next week

Date	Time	Location
Monday 15 December	9:30am – 4:30pm	Helston Health Centre, Trengrouse Way, TR13 8AG
Monday 15 December	9:30am – 1pm	John Betjeman Centre (Room 4), Southern Way, Wadebridge, PL27 7BX
Monday 15 December	8:30am – 12pm	Helston Community Hospital, Meneage Road, TR13 8DR
Tuesday 16 December	9:30am – 4:30pm	Helston Health Centre, Trengrouse Way, TR13 8AG
Tuesday 16 December	8:30am – 5pm	Outpatients, Newquay Community Hospital, St Thomas Road, TR7 1RQ
Tuesday 16 December	1pm – 6pm	Outpatients Main Building, Falmouth Community Hospital, Trescobeas Road, TR11 2JA
Tuesday 16 December	8:30am – 5pm	Outpatients Room 12, Camborne Redruth Community Hospital, Barncoose Terrace, TR15 3ER
Wednesday 17 December	8:30am – 5pm	Outpatients, Bodmin Community Hospital, Boundary Road, PL31 2QT
Wednesday 17 December	9am – 5pm	Outpatients Room 3, Launceston Community Hospital, Link Road, PL15 9JD
Thursday 18 December	9am – 4pm	Shire House, Mount Folly Square, Bodmin, PL31 2DQ
Thursday 18 December	8:30am – 5pm	Outpatients, St Austell Community Hospital, Porthpean Road, PL26 6AA
Thursday 18 December	9am – 5pm	Outpatients Room 7, Liskeard Community Hospital, Clemo Road, PL14 3XD