It’s more important than ever that people across Lanarkshire, who are eligible, get their flu vaccination.
Cases of flu, RSV and Covid are increasing both in the community and hospital admissions.
The flu vaccine is the best possible protection against the virus which can change from year to year. Most people who get flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop complications which can be life-threatening and result in death
This year’s winter vaccination programme is focused on protecting those most vulnerable to flu and COVID-19. This includes older adults, and people with underlying health conditions, such as heart conditions or liver disease that put them at greater risk of illness from flu and COVID-19. Pregnant women are also strongly recommended to take up the vaccines, to give them and their babies the best possible protections against serious illness from these viruses.
Dr Henry Prempeh, Consultant in Public Health, said: “Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and others and we’re pleased to see so many people in Lanarkshire coming forward to take up the offer.
“Evidence shows that the flu virus changes over time and COVID-19 vaccine protection fades. The vaccinations offered this season can top up your protection against severe illness from flu and COVID-19.
“Those that have not yet received their vaccines are strongly encouraged to come forward and make an appointment. We also advise checking our local arrangements as we have a range of vaccination sites and pop up clinics.”
We are offering drop in clinics across Lanarkshire to make it easy for people to get their vaccination at a time and place that suits them. To find out more visit our website at https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccine-centres/
Eligibility Table
| Group | Covid | Flu |
| 65+ | Yes | Yes |
| Residents in care homes for older adults | Yes | Yes |
| 6 months – 64 years at Covid-19 clinical risk | Yes | Yes |
| Staff in care homes for older adults | Yes* | Yes |
| Frontline HSCWs | Yes* | Yes |
| Non-frontline NHS workers | No | Yes* |
| 18-64 years with an eligible flu-only clinical risk condition | No | Yes |
| Unpaid carers (including young carers) | No | Yes |
| Household contacts of those with immunosuppression | No | Yes |
| Asylum seekers living in Home Office hotel or B&B accommodation | No | Yes* |
| Those experiencing homelessness | No | Yes |
| Those experiencing substance misuse | No | Yes* |
| All prisoners within the Scottish prison estate | No | Yes |
| Poultry workers | No | Yes |
