NHS Ayrshire & Arran is urging those eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines this winter to come forward for vaccination as soon as possible.
During the colder winter months when people stay indoors for longer, and in larger groups, there is an increase in the number of people experiencing coughs, colds and flu-like illnesses.
This year’s winter vaccination programme is focused on protecting those most vulnerable to flu and COVID-19, and vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself against serious illness. We strongly encourage those eligible to take up the vaccination offer now to help avoid missing out on socialising with friends and family over the peak winter season.
Invitations to attend local vaccination clinics have been posted to Ayrshire residents or sent by text or email if a digital contact preference was stated. Please attend as instructed, but if the appointment is not suitable, you can reschedule to a time and location that suits by visiting the national portal www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines or calling the helpline on 0800 030 8013.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran Public Health Director Lynne McNiven said:
“Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and others and we’re pleased to see so many people in Ayrshire coming forward to take up the offer.
“Evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccine protection fades and the flu virus changes over time. The vaccinations offered this season can top up your protection against severe illness from COVID-19 and flu.
“Those who haven’t yet received their vaccinations are encouraged to come forward to attend their appointment or make one if they’ve missed a previous invitation. In particular, 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 strongly recommended to take up the vaccines, as these give them and their babies the best possible protections against serious illness from the viruses.”
If you think you may be eligible for either a flu or COVID-19 vaccine this winter (or both) you can check using the self help guide at www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines and book an appointment.
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Background
More information about the winter vaccines, including eligibility and the online booking portal, is available at nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines.
All bookings and rearrangements are made through the online booking portal.
For those who cannot access the portal, you can phone the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013 to book or rearrange your appointment. The helpline is open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday.
Some individuals are only eligible for a flu vaccine, whereas others are eligible for both flu and COVID-19 vaccination.
Flu only vaccination administration
The groups below are eligible for their flu vaccines this winter:
- Children aged 6 months to 2 years at higher risk of flu
- Children aged 2 to 5 (and not yet in school) on 1 September 2023
- All primary school pupils
- All secondary school pupils
- People aged 18 to 64 with an eligible condition
- People aged 50 and over
- Nursery, primary and secondary school teachers and pupil-facing support staff
- Prison population, prison officers and support staff who deliver direct front-facing detention services
- Non-frontline NHS healthcare workers**
COVID-19 and flu vaccination co-administration
The groups below are eligible for their flu and COVID-19 vaccines this winter:
- Residents and staff in care homes for older adults
- People aged 65 and over
- Those aged 6 months and over with a condition that places them at higher risk
- Pregnant women
- Frontline healthcare workers*
- Frontline social care workers
- Carers (including unpaid and young carers aged 16 and over)
- Those aged 12 or over who are a household contact of someone with a weakened immune system
*Includes independent contractors and support staff who are patient facing (GP, dental, optometry, community pharmacy)
**Includes all independent contractors and support staff (GP, dental, optometry, community pharmacy)