NHS Ayrshire & Arran is reminding those who have not yet received their free winter vaccines to get vaccinated ahead of the COVID-19 winter offer coming to an end on 31 January.
An increase in the number of people experiencing coughs, colds and flu-like illnesses is recorded during the colder winter months when people stay indoors for longer, and in larger groups.
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 certain underlying health conditions, such as heart or respiratory disease or a weakened immune system as they are 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.
All frontline health and social care workers are eligible for the free flu and COVID-19 vaccines, while all NHS staff are eligible for the flu vaccine this winter.
To check if you’re eligible for either a flu or COVID-19 vaccine this winter (or both), to make an appointment or to check local drop-in arrangements, visit: www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines.
Although the COVID-19 vaccine offer finishes on 31 January, the flu vaccine is available until the end of March.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Director of Public Health, Lynne McNiven said:
“Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and others and we strongly encourage everyone who is eligible in Ayrshire to come 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.
“Across Ayrshire drop-in clinics are now available to make it as convenient as possible for people aged 12 years and over* to get vaccinated. Visit our website for the details here: https://www.nhsaaa.net/services/services-a-z/vaccines/.”
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Background
*Children aged under 12 years cannot drop-in for flu or COVID vaccines. 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.
More information about the winter vaccines, including eligibility and the online booking portal, is available at www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines.
Bookings and rearrangements are made through the online booking portal.
For those who cannot access information online, 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.
Pregnant women can also book an appointment online or via the national vaccination helpline or attend a drop-in clinic, with further information available from midwives. Flu and COVID-19 infection can lead to complications such as early labour, low birth weight and stillbirth.
If it’s more convenient, you can get vaccinated closer to where you work or somewhere you visit regularly.
Some individuals are only eligible for a flu vaccine, whereas others are eligible for both flu and COVID-19 vaccination.
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 |