Extra vaccination clinic due to demand

NHS SHETLAND is putting on an extra winter vaccination drop-in clinic this weekend to help manage current demand.

It will run from 9.30am to 4.30pm at the Grantfield vaccination centre in Lerwick on Saturday, with the clinic drop-in only.

It will be held for children and adults who are eligible to have the flu vaccine or the Covid vaccine as part of the national programme.

There will then only be one more clinic before January, on Monday 15 December.

It comes amid rising confirmed flu cases across the country, which is putting pressure on hospitals.

NHS Shetland said recently that the flu season had started early locally, mirroring the national picture.

Everyone who is eligible for the Covid vaccine, and nearly everyone who is eligible for the flu vaccine because of age, health conditions or employment (NHS and social care staff), should have received a letter, email, text or workplace communication from NHS Shetland at some point since September.

Unpaid carers, people living with someone who is immunosuppressed, people who are homeless or experiencing substance use and bird handlers are also eligible for the flu vaccine, but may not have received direct communication.

More information in eligibility for winter vaccines is available on the NHS Inform website.