Pneumococcal jag programme extends

NHS Lanarkshire has invited the next groups eligible for pneumococcal vaccine to come forward.

In April, responsibility for providing the pneumococcal vaccine moved from GP practices to NHS Lanarkshire.

This change was part of the national GP contract and happened across all Scottish health boards.

Since then, local people aged 65 and over who have never received their pneumococcal vaccine have received appointments.

The next eligible groups are people aged two to 64 who have certain health conditions and people aged over 65 have another opportunity to receive their vaccine.

Dr Mark Russell told the Advertiser: “People aged 65 or over, and those with certain health conditions, have a higher chance of becoming unwell with pneumococcal infection.

“This type of infection can lead to illnesses including bacterial meningitis and pneumonia.

“Getting your pneumococcal vaccine, when invited, is the best way to help protect yourself against these illnesses.

“The vaccine is given in the upper arm and most people aged 65 or over will only need a single dose, which will help protect them for life.”

People who are eligible will receive a letter with details of their vaccination appointment.

If your appointment is not suitable, or if you are unwell on the day of your appointment, you can attend one of the dedicated drop-in clinics for the pneumococcal vaccine.

Details about drop-in clinics will be in appointment letters that are being sent out.

Appointments will be held in the health board’s vaccination centres which were set up for delivering the Covid-19 vaccine.

The pneumococcal vaccine is completely separate to the Covid vaccine.

There’s no need to contact your GP practice as you will be contacted directly with details of your appointment.

For more information on the pneumococcal vaccine and details on who is eligible, visit https://www. nhsinform.scot/pneumococcalvaccine