NHS Forth Valley is urging everyone eligible who has not been vaccinated to get their Covid-19 and flu vaccinations ahead of the festive period.

Getting your vaccine can help reduce the spread over the winter months, helping to protect those most vulnerable and reduce pressure on local NHS services.

Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Public Health, said: “While it might feel like Covid-19 has gone away, this is sadly not the case and vaccination remains one of the best defences against it. I strongly encourage all those eligible who have yet to take up the offer, to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

“The flu virus is always changing and Covid-19 protection fades over time, so it’s important to top up your protection as soon as possible. There are a number of ways to get vaccinated including local drop-in vaccination clinics, which are open every day in the run up to Christmas, or at the majority of local pharmacies which can be contacted direct to arrange an appointment.”

The following groups are eligible for the Winter Covid-19 booster and flu vaccinations

• All adults aged 50 or over
• Pregnant women
• Those aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group
• Those aged 5 and over and live with someone who has a weakened immune system
• Age 16 and over and a carer, either paid or unpaid
• Health and social care staff

Children aged 2 – 5 and not yet at school (children must be aged 2 years or above on 31 August 2022 to be eligible) can attend a local drop-in vaccination clinic to get their flu vaccine. Children and young people at local primary or secondary schools who have missed their flu vaccination at school can contact NHS Forth Valley’s local vaccination team on 0800 130 3120 to arrange an appointment or attend a local drop-in vaccination clinic.

NHS Forth Valley Drop-in Vaccination Clinics – no appointment needed
Falkirk Community Hospital, Stirling Health & Care Village and Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre

Thursday 15^th December – Thursday 22^nd December – 8.30am – 7.00pm &

Friday 23^rd December 8:30am – 3:00pm

A number of local pharmacies are offering Coivd-19 and Flu vaccinations to those eligible. A
full list of pharmacies is available at www.nhsforthvalley.com/covidvaccine

If you would prefer a booked appointment, you can book online at www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines or call the National Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013.

If you are pregnant, you are eligible for the Covid-19 and flu vaccines this winter. Vaccination is the best way to help prevent you and your baby from the known risks of the viruses in pregnancy. You can contact your local Midwifery team on 01324 567182 to make an appointment, make an appointment online at www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines or attend a local drop-in vaccination clinic.

More information on our vaccine programme can be found on the NHS Forth Valley website www.nhsforthvalley.com/covidvacccine, NHS Inform and NHS Forth Valley’s social media channels.