With winter fast approaching, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself and those around you from flu and Covid-19. Residents across Lanarkshire are now receiving appointments for flu vaccinations and Covid-19 boosters, depending on their eligibility.
Vaccinations will primarily take place at our main centres, with additional locations available, including local pharmacies and pop-up clinics. Please note, that appointments are required for all locations. There will be no availability for drop-ins, so make sure you attend only at your appointed time.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to safeguard against serious illness from both flu and Covid-19. This is especially crucial for higher-risk groups, including older adults, individuals with underlying health conditions, and young children. The flu vaccine offers strong protection, while the Covid-19 booster further reduces the severity of illness and boosts protection.
Dr Henry Prempeh, Consultant in Public Health, urged: “It’s vital that everyone who receives an appointment attends. If you’re eligible, you’ll also be offered the Covid booster, providing additional protection this winter.
“If your appointment time or location is not convenient, you can easily reschedule online or by calling the National Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013. This allows us to offer your original slot to someone else.
“Covid-19 remains a concern, so it’s essential to keep your protection up to date with the booster. The vaccines are safe, effective, and offer the best defence against serious illness.”
Please read your appointment letter carefully to confirm where and when your vaccination will take place. Let’s work together to stay healthy and safe this winter.
For more information visit NHS Inform at https://www.nhsinform.scot/winter-vaccines/
Flu and Covid vaccines?
The groups below are eligible for both COVID-19 and flu vaccines this winter:
- Residents in care homes for older adults
- Those aged 65+
- 6 months – 64 at COVID clinical risk
- Staff in care homes for older adults
- Frontline health and social care workers
- Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy (first, second or third trimesters)
Flu vaccine only?
The groups below are eligible for their flu vaccines this winter
- 18-64 years with an eligible flu-only clinical risk condition
- Carers (including unpaid and young carers)
- Non-frontline NHS workers
- Household contacts of those with immunosuppression
- Asylum seekers living in Home Office hotel or B&B accommodation
- Those experiencing homelessness
- Those experiencing substance misuse
- All prisoners within the Scottish prison estate
- Those living in long-stay residential care homes or other long stay care facilities
- Poultry workers
Vaccination is required every year because flu viruses are constantly changing and immunity may wane. The vaccines offered this year will give you the best possible protection against the viruses likely to be circulating this winter.
Flu vaccines are available to purchase privately for those who are not eligible under the national programme and many employers offer vaccination.
