NHS Lanarkshire is experiencing a high volume of calls about this year’s flu vaccination programme. In response to the heightened enquiries Dr Mark Russell, Associate Medical Director Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire has issued a note of strong reassurance, and has asked for public support and patience as the programme gets underway.
Dr Russell said: “We understand that people are anxious and want to know when they will receive their flu vaccination. We would like to reassure the public that everyone who is eligible, will receive an appointment for their vaccination.
“We use the details from GP practice lists to identify who is eligible. If you have previously received the vaccine from your GP, then you will be on the list to receive it this year. If you are not sure if you are eligible, visit www.nhsinform.scot/flu and use the ‘How to get the flu vaccine in your area’ guide.”
This year, more than 300,000 people across Lanarkshire are eligible for the flu vaccine. These include:
- 2 to 5 years (not yet in school)
- Everyone aged under 65 at risk
- Everyone aged 65 and over
- People who have been shielding and members of their households
- 55 to 64 years (who are not otherwise eligible, if vaccine supplies allow later in the programme)
We are unable to provide details of individual appointments, as this is done nationally. However, all appointments for priority patients will be issued within the next eight weeks. Priority patients include all of the eligible groups, except the 55 to 64 years age group (unless they are included in another category).
Dr Russell added: “We are appealing for your patience and understanding as we are vaccinating more people than usual, in a relatively short period of time. The programme will take longer than other years to deliver and we would like to reassure you that staff are working hard to make sure everyone gets their vaccination as soon as possible.”
The webpage www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/flu is updated regularly with local information.
