Hungerford Medical Centre

20/03/2026

Meningitis B

There are 2 vaccinations available currently -Meningitis ACWY given at 14-15 years old in high school (usually Year 9) and Meningitis B in under 2 year olds, unless children have special conditions such as no spleen they cannot have over the age of 2 years under CURRENT guidance.

If you are concerned your child has not had Meningitis B vaccine and under the age 2 or other routine childhood vaccines such as Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) and Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) then you can ring reception to make enquiries.

If your child is OVER 2 years of age under CURRENT guidance we CANNOT vaccinate with Meningitis B vaccine as we have strict guidance to follow. IF there is local risk the UKHSA will give us new guidance based on the risk and instruct us who requires vaccination. We will respond if UKHSA advises us of any updates and act accordingly.

You can check for updates on the UKHSA website as they are updating their blog regularly with up to date information

There is currently an outbreak of meningococcal disease (MenB) in Kent. This blog post includes information on MenB and this outbreak, what to do if you are affected and where you can get antibiotics and who is being offered a vaccine.

16/03/2026

Have you just started University and under 25?
Make sure you've had your free MenACWY vaccine!
Vaccines are available so protect yourself and book today.
Unsure wether you've had yours? Contact us via triage and we can check ✔️

25/02/2026

🩺 Accessing the Right NHS Service
Knowing where to go for help can save you time and ensure you get the right care as quickly as possible.

🔹 GP Practice: for ongoing or non-urgent health concerns, long-term condition reviews, medication queries and referrals.
🔹 Community Pharmacy: for advice and treatment for minor illnesses without an appointment.
🔹 NHS 111: for urgent advice when you’re not sure what to do.
Available 24/7 online or by phone.
🔹 A&E / 999: for serious or life-threatening emergencies only.

Using the right NHS service helps keep urgent care available for those who need it most.

👉 Find out more about services available near you here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/services-near-you/

14/02/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day 💖
Today’s a great reminder to show a little love, to the people around you and to yourself.
Small steps like eating well, staying active, and checking in on your wellbeing can make a big difference.

Wishing all our patients a happy and healthy Valentine’s Day from the team at Hungerford Medical Centre 💌

12/02/2026

🌱 Healthy Living: Free support for Type 2 Diabetes 💙
Did you know Healthy Living is a free online NHS programme to help people with Type 2 Diabetes manage their condition and live well? 🙌

✅ What’s included:
• Expert advice & practical tips.
• Healthy eating guides & recipes.
• Exercise & stress management support.
• Peer support from fellow participants.

💻 Fully online and free — access it at your own pace, from home!

👉 Sign up today: https://healthyliving.nhs.uk/

09/02/2026

Did you know you can view messages about your care in the NHS App?

The NHS App is a simple and secure way to receive messages from your trusted health care providers.

Important! Remember to turn on notifications for the NHS App to stay up to date and for messages from Greenmoss

Find out more: www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/

05/02/2026

🩺 Important update: new childhood vaccine from January 2026:
From January 2026, the NHS is introducing a new routine childhood vaccine called MMRV.
This vaccine protects against four infections in one: measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.
The MMRV vaccine will replace the MMR vaccine as part of the routine childhood vaccination programme.

Why is this change being made?
Chickenpox is often mild, but in some children, it can lead to serious complications, including infections that require hospital care. By adding chickenpox protection to the routine schedule, the NHS can help keep more children safe, without adding extra injections.
The MMRV vaccine has been used safely for many years in countries such as the USA, Canada and Australia and is recommended by UK vaccination experts.

What does this mean for my child?
• First dose at the routine 12-month appointment
• Second dose at a new 18-month appointment
Giving the second dose earlier helps provide earlier protection, especially against measles.

What do parents need to do?
📩 Nothing right now, we’ll contact you when your child is due for their appointment.
If you have any questions, please speak to our practice team.

Attending when invited helps protect your child and others in the community 💙

29/01/2026

📆Every missed appointment is time that could have been offered to another patient.
When appointments are missed without notice, it increases waiting times and affects patients who need care.

If you can no longer attend your appointment, please let the surgery know as soon as possible, even short notice allows us to reallocate the appointment to another patient who may be waiting for care.
You can cancel quickly via the NHS App, or by calling the surgery.

Working together helps us provide a fair and efficient service for all patients.💙

21/01/2026

🦠❄️ Stay Well and Stop Germs Spreading This Winter!

Cold and flu season is here and viruses like flu, COVID-19, and norovirus can spread quickly. Protect yourself and others by taking simple precautions:
✅ Stay at home if you have symptoms.
✅ Avoid close contact with friends, family, and vulnerable people.
✅ Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
✅ Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
✅ Dispose of tissues safely.

By taking these steps, you help stop the spread of illness and keep your community healthier this winter.
Find out more about how to stay well:
👉 www.nhs.uk/staywell

16/01/2026

15/01/2026

The Pharmacy First scheme allows individuals to seek professional advice and treatment for a variety of common illnesses and conditions without needing a GP appointment, making healthcare support more accessible. 💊

Conditions they can offer prescription medicine for are:
• impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
• infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
• earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
• sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
• sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
• shingles (aged 18 years and over).

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms can be treated this way, your local pharmacist is the first point of contact.
It’s quick, convenient, and effective for non-urgent health issues.

Find out more here:
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/

12/01/2026

🦷 Need Urgent Dental Care? Don’t Wait!
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, infection, or a dental emergency, urgent dental appointments are now available to help you get the care you need quickly and safely.

✅ Fast access to treatment.
✅ Expert dental advice from trained professionals.
✅ Available for emergencies and urgent issues.

Find out how to book your appointment and get the help you need:
👉 nhs.uk/urgentdentalcare

Don’t ignore dental pain, early treatment can prevent more serious problems later! 🪥💙