The run up to Christmas can be a busy time of year, but NHS Ayrshire & Arran is making it as easy as possible for those eligible to get their winter vaccinations this December. If you are due either your COVID-19 and/or seasonal flu vaccine you can get it without an appointment at a local drop-in clinic from Monday 16 December.
People eligible for both flu and coronavirus vaccinations include all over 65 year olds, pregnant women and frontline health and social care workers, including care home and care at home staff.
People eligible for only flu vaccines include those age 18 to 64 years with certain health conditions, those with weakened immune systems, unpaid carers and non-patient facing health and social care staff.
In winter 2022 and winter 2023, unpaid carers and household contacts of immunosuppressed people were eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine under JCVI advice. It is important to note that from winter 2024, as per JCVI advice, they are no longer eligible for COVID-19 vaccination although, as indicated above, they remain eligible for flu vaccination.
Drop-in vaccine clinics will be running in Ayrshire at the venues and times stated below and can cater to eligible groups aged 12 years and over*:
Monday 16 December
- Ardrossan Civic Centre, Ardrossan, 8.30am –3.30pm
- Galleon Leisure Centre, Kilmarnock, midday – 3.30pm
- St Quivox RC Church, Prestwick, 8.45am – 4.30pm
- Cumnock Town Hall, Cumnock, 8.30am – 3.30pm
Tuesday 17 December
- Nethermains Community Centre, Kilwinning, 8.30am – 4.00pm
- Catrine Games Hall, Catrine, 8.30am – 4.00pm
- St Quivox RC Church, Prestwick, 8.45am – 4.30pm
Wednesday 18 December
- Walker Hall, Troon, 8.30am – 4.00pm
- Argyle Centre, Saltcoats, 8.30am – 5.00pm
Thursday 19 December
- Argyle Centre, Saltcoats, 8.30am – 5.00pm
Friday 20 December
- Galleon Leisure Centre, Kilmarnock, 8.30am – 4.00pm
- Newton Wallacetown Church, Ayr, 8.30am – 4.00pm
- Ardeer Neighbourhood Centre, Stevenston, 8.30am – 5.00pm
Saturday 21 December
- Girvan Community Hospital, 9am – 3.30pm
- Galston Community Centre, 8.30am – 6.00pm
Further scheduled clinics will be announced in due course. Please visit our website to get the latest details of drop-in vaccination opportunities: https://www.nhsaaa.net/services/services-a-z/vaccines/
NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Director of Public Health, Lynne McNiven said:
“The festive season is drawing closer, a time that many of us will be spending with family and friends. However, it is also the time of year when viruses such as flu and COVID-19 are more likely to spread.
“Winter vaccines help the body to build up maximum protection, so those eligible for one or both vaccines who have not yet come forward are being urged to do so now.
“Our dedicated vaccination teams have been working hard in communities across Ayrshire delivering winter vaccines since September. Teams are delighted to now be able to offer additional opportunities for people to get their flu and covid vaccinations without an appointment. If you’re eligible, simply come along to the location that suits you best from the clinics listed and you can get your winter vaccines on a drop-in basis.
“If you prefer, you can also book a slot, as we have bookable capacity at our local vaccine clinics. Call the helpline on 0800 030 8013 or visit the booking portal on the NHS Inform website to get a date in the diary to protect yourself against coronavirus and seasonal flu.”
ENDS
Background
*Children aged under 12 years cannot drop-in for flu or COVID vaccines to these clinics. If your child has missed their flu vaccine appointment please visit https://www.nhsaaa.net/services/services-a-z/flu-vaccine/ for further information on what to do. If you are a parent or carer of a child under 12 who has a condition that makes them eligible for a COVID-19 booster and is yet to have one this winter please call 01563 826540 to arrange an appointment.
You’ll be offered flu and coronavirus vaccines this winter if you’re:
- living or working in a care home for older adults
- aged 65 and over
- aged 6 months and over with an eligible health condition
- pregnant
- a frontline health or social care worker
You’ll be offered the flu vaccine if you’re:
- aged 18 to 64 with an eligible health condition
- living with someone who has a weakened immune system
- an unpaid or young carer
- a non-frontline NHS worker
- a poultry worker
- an asylum seeker living in a home office hotel or B&B accommodation
- experiencing homelessness or substance misuse
- living in a Scottish prison
- living in long-stay residential care home or other long stay care facility