Community venues to be flu jab clinics
Community venues across Stirling - from rugby clubs to town halls - will be used for flu vaccinations.
NHS Forth Valley’s flu vaccination programme is being run differently this year as a result of the pandemic.
Most people will now be vaccinated in community spaces, as well as GP practices.
Immunisation clinics will be set up in larger community venues including Albert Halls, Stirling Rugby Club and the Victoria Hall in Dunblane in order to manage the significant numbers of patients.
Vaccinations will be carried out while maintaining physical distancing and meeting a number of vaccine storage, waste disposal and other safety requirements.
Stirling GP practices will continue to deliver the flu vaccine to eligible adult patients registered with them as well as the nasal spray vaccine for under fives.
Care staff are receiving their vaccines in local pharmacies and pharmacies will also immunise people with substance misuse problems.
Stirling primary school children have been receiving their vaccines since October.
A report to NHS Forth Valley’s board this week said approximately 800–1000 vaccines were being administered on a daily basis.
This year - as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic - the group eligible to get the vaccine has been extended.
Social care workers, people over the age of 55 and household members of people who have been shielding will all be eligible for the free flu vaccine. If vaccine supplies allow, the Scottish Government will look to extend this to those aged 50-54. The extended group: 55–64-year-olds and thereafter 50–54-year-olds will begin being vaccinated in December 2020.
This extended group is in addition to those eligible in previous years – those aged over 65, those with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, children aged between two and five, primary school pupils, healthcare workers and young unpaid carers.
The specific target groups include those with chronic illnesses including heart disease, chest complaints such as bronchitis, emphysema or asthma, chronic kidney failure, cystic fibrosis, lowered immunity due to disease or treatment, diabetes or liver problems.
NHS Forth Valley has asked anyone who has any difficulties attending a community vaccination session to email their flu appointments team (fv. fvadultflu-appointments@nhs.scot) or call their free flu helpline free flu helpline on 0800 1303120 to make alternative arrangements.
A spokesperson for NHS Forth Valley said district nursing staff and GPS continue to vaccinate eligible people, including those who are housebound, during home visits and other healthcare appointments, where possible.
NHS Forth Valley’s director of public health, Dr Graham Foster said: “The more people get vaccinated against flu, the more it will protect the population, and help our NHS avoid the pressure that a spike in seasonal flu would put on top of Covid-19. By everyone playing their part, we can help stop the spread of the flu virus this winter and continue to protect our NHS for those who need it the most.”
More information is available on NHS Forth Valley’s website www. nhsforthvalley.com/flu