Flu jab programme set to be rolled out
Over 300k people will be vaccinated in Lanarkshire
NHS Lanarkshire is delivering flu vaccinations to everyone who is eligible this year – which will mean more than 300,000 people.
The groups able to get the jab are kids aged two- to- five not yet in school; everyone aged under 65 at risk; people aged 65 and over; anyone who has been shielding from coronavirus, and members of their households and 55 to 64-yearolds who are not otherwise eligible, if vaccine supplies allow later in the programme.
Pregnant women will receive their vaccine from their midwife and primary school children will be given it at school.
Dr Linda Findlay, medical director, expects a high uptake of the vaccination programme and explained: “The scale of the programme and the need to observe physical distancing means that clinics need to be held in large community venues.
“We expect there to be a high demand for this year’s vaccine and would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience with this new way of delivering this important vaccine.”
People eligible to be given the flu vaccination will receive an invite with an allocated appointment time at a local community vaccination clinic.
If this appointment isn’t suitable, they are asked to call the number on their invitation to reschedule for another time.
Invites will be sent in batches to make sure that the service can cope with the demand and people may receive invites on a different date than usual.
However, they are assured that they will receive one.
Appointments need to be allocated this year due to the sheer number of people who will need to be vaccinated.
There will be no drop-in clinics as the health board needs to manage the number of people at each clinic to ensure physical distancing can be followed.
Dr Findlay added: “This year, more than ever, it is important that you receive your flu vaccine if you are eligible.
“Flu is serious and with Covid-19 still circulating in the community, we all need to play our part to keep ourselves as healthy as possible over the winter months.
“Receiving the vaccine will help protect you, your loved ones and the NHS.”
For more information about the delivery of the local flu programme, please visit www. nhslanarkshire. scot.nhs.uk/flu.