NHS Shetland flu and Covid winter vaccination programme set to start
THE WINTER vaccination programme is getting under way from NHS Shetland, offering protection from flu and Covid.
The health board said the programme plays an important role in keeping individuals, families and communities well over the winter months.
It also reduces pressure on NHS and social care services during the colder period, NHS Shetland said.
The flu vaccination programme starts on 22 September, with the coronavirus vaccine available from mid-October.
NHS Shetland said it aims to complete the winter programme before Christmas.
However, it said the delivery of the programme is very complex as nearly half the Shetland population will be offered vaccines during the next three months.
You are eligible and recommended to have the flu vaccine this year if you are:
- Living in long-stay residential care homes or other long-stay care facilities
- Aged 65 and over
- Aged 18 to 64 with an eligible health condition
- Experiencing homelessness or problems with substance use
- An asylum seeker living in a Home Office hotel or bed and breakfast accommodation
- Living in a Scottish prison
- Pregnant
- A frontline health and social care worker
- A non-frontline NHS worker
- An unpaid or young carer
- A household contact of someone with a weakened immune system
- A poultry worker or bird handler
- A cattle or swine worker
- • Some people who are eligible for flu are also eligible for coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine because they are at high risk of serious illness due to the virus
Adults who are only eligible for flu vaccine should aim to get their vaccine between 22 September and mid-October.
Adults registered with Lerwick, Levenwick, Scalloway, Brae, Bixter and Walls practices will have been sent a text, email or letter inviting them to book an appointment at the Grantfield vaccination centre for their flu vaccine.
Those registered with Hillswick, Unst, Whalsay or Yell practices will be contacted directly by their GP practice.
Shetland News — free to read
Membership helps pay for journalism
If you value impartial local journalism, become a member of Shetland News and get:
- Only local ads.
- Members' weekly newsletter.
- Bookmark stories and join the comments.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
However, they can attend the Grantfield vaccination centre if they prefer.
School pupils should have already received their consent packs for their flu vaccinations delivered in school, while all pre-school children under five will be invited to get their flu vaccine at nursery or GP practice.
Pregnant women will be offered the flu vaccine by their midwife, and people who cannot leave their home will receive their vaccine at home.
NHS Shetland public health director Dr Susan Laidlaw encouraged everyone eligible to take up the offer of a vaccination when invited.
“Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, your loved ones and those who may be more vulnerable within our communities.
“It can help reduce the risk of severe illness, hospital admission and disruption to everyday life over the winter period.
“We appreciate the support and patience of the public as our teams work hard to deliver the programme, and we encourage everyone eligible to book or attend their appointment as soon as possible.
“Every vaccination helps us keep individuals and communities well, while supporting our NHS and social care services through what is traditionally a very busy time of year.”
You can book appointments at the Grantfield vaccination centre here. Winter vaccines | NHS inform.
If you have questions about the programme or your appointment, NHS Shetland asked folk to call the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013 or call or email the NHS Shetland vaccination team.
Improvement works at the Grantfield vaccination centre and walk-in clinic are still being completed, with plans for the centre to reopen from Tuesday 22 September.
Shetland News — free to read
Membership helps pay for journalism
If you value impartial local journalism, become a member of Shetland News and get:
- Only local ads.
- Members' weekly newsletter.
- Bookmark stories and join the comments.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
