Flu jags and covid boosters
Scotland’s Winter Vaccination programme is underway, with those eligible for vaccination being asked not to let their protection fade.
Vaccines are still our best protection against flu and COVID-19, which can both be serious, even for healthy people.
The flu virus is always changing and research shows that COVID-19 vaccine protection can fade over time, so it’s important to keep protection levels topped up. That’s why vaccines are now being offered to those most at risk.
Currently, those being offered both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines are:
- Residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults.
- Frontline health and social care workers.
- All adults aged 50 years and over.
- Those aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group, including pregnant people.
- Those aged 5 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with a weakened immune system.
- Carers aged 16 years and over.
The following groups are being offered the flu vaccine only:
- Children aged 2 to 5 years (and not yet in school).
- All primary and secondary school pupils.
- Primary, secondary and nursery teachers and pupil-facing support staff.
- Prison population and prison officers who deliver direct front-facing detention services and support staff.
- Non-frontline NHS workers.
If you are unable to attend your winter vaccination appointment you should cancel or reschedule by using the online booking portal at nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines, using your unique username on your invitation letter.
Help protect yourself and others this winter – get vaccinated.