Getting the Flu Vaccine

By theorkneynews on October 4, 2020 • ( 1 Comment )

This year the flu vaccine in Scotland will be available to a wider range of people. This is because of the significant concerns about the double impact of seasonal flu and covid.

Those who are being encouraged to be vaccinated are:

health and social care workers
primary school children
children aged two to five
people aged 65 and over
anyone living in the same home as people previously shielding from COVID-19.

From December, those aged 55 to 64 (by 31 March 2021) who would not usually be eligible will also be offered the flu vaccine.

More information can be found here: Flu Vaccination NHS Inform which includes local information on how to get the flu vaccine in your area.

NHS Orkney

Flu Vaccine Clinics 2020

Flu vaccinations for the Orkney public start soon at venues across the isles – but, this year, because of Covid-19, they will be by appointment only.

Appointments can be booked by calling the vaccination phone line for your practice, which will be open between 9am and 5pm from WEDNESDAY 30th September.

A high volume of calls is expected, so we kindly ask you to remain patient and call back later if the line is busy.

Please only attend your vaccination centre at your appointment time. In order to maintain adequate social distancing, we will be unable to permit you to enter the building before your allocated appointment slot.
When calling, let us know if you have a mobility issue or require a wheelchair. If you are currently being treated with warfarin medication, please bring your yellow book to your appointment.

Physical distancing and hygiene measures have been put in place following Scottish Government guidelines. We ask all those attending to wear a face covering. We also ask you to wear short-sleeved clothing, in order to ensure timely delivery of vaccines.

If you are feeling unwell or experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, do not attend your appointment.

If you cannot attend, please let us know as soon as possible so an alternate appointment can be arranged.

To find out how to book your vaccination click here : https://www.ohb.scot.nhs.uk/news/flu-vaccine-clinics-2020

You can also visit nhsinform.scot/flu for more information and eligibility for the flu vaccine.