With almost 5,000 adults in Scotland admitted to hospital as a result of flu last winter, NHS Forth Valley is urging everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated to reduce their risk of severe illness.

For some people, flu can be much more serious. Older adults, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions are at greater risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and in some cases, death.

For this reason, the vaccination programme is once again focused on protecting those most at risk from flu.
Dr Calum Robertson, Immunisation Coordinator, NHS Forth Valley, said:  “Flu is often dismissed as just a bad cold, but for many people it can lead to serious illness and hospitalisation. Every year, we see the impact flu can have on people across Forth Valley, particularly older adults, pregnant women and those living with underlying health conditions.

“That’s why I would encourage everyone who is eligible to take up the offer of a flu vaccine this year. It is a simple and effective way to protect yourself and help protect those who are most vulnerable in our communities.

“If you receive an invitation, please don’t delay. Getting vaccinated now will help give you the best possible protection throughout the winter months.”

Look Out for Your Invitation or Book Your Appointment

Most people who are eligible for this year’s vaccination programme are receiving invitations by text, email or post in a white envelope with clear NHS Scotland branding. Invitations will continue to be issued as the programme progresses throughout autumn and winter.

To find out if you’re eligible for a flu vaccine this year, visit the NHS inform flu webpage: www.nhsinform.scot/flu

Pregnant women are strongly encouraged to take up the offer of vaccination, which provides the best possible protection for both mother and baby against serious illness. Appointments can be booked online or by calling the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013. Pregnant women can also speak to their midwife for further information.

Local Pharmacies Offering Vaccinations

A number of community pharmacies across Forth Valley are offering flu vaccination appointments for eligible people. A full list of participating pharmacies is available on the NHS Forth Valley Seasonal Vaccination webpage: www.nhsforthvalley.com/seasonal-vaccination. Please contact the pharmacy directly to arrange an appointment.

Health and Social Care Worker Vaccinations

Eligible health and social care workers are encouraged to get their flu vaccine as soon as possible to help protect themselves, their patients and colleagues during the winter months.

No appointment is needed. Health and social care staff can access their flu vaccination through convenient drop-in clinics across Forth Valley, making it quick and easy to get protected. Staff are encouraged to take advantage of these drop-in opportunities and get vaccinated as early as possible.

Further information on staff vaccination clinics, including drop-in dates, times and locations, is available on the NHS Forth Valley Staff Vaccination webpage: www.nhsforthvalley.com/staff-vaccination.

Childhood Flu Vaccinations

The flu vaccine is also being offered to all children aged 2 years up to the end of secondary school, as well as children aged 6 months to 2 years who have a condition that puts them at increased risk of flu.

In NHS Forth Valley, children aged 2 to 5 years who are not yet at school and were unable to attend their scheduled flu vaccination appointment can attend a drop-in clinic without an appointment. Parents and carers can find information on clinic dates, times and locations on the NHS Forth Valley Childhood Vaccination webpage: www.nhsforthvalley.com/childhood-vaccination.

Parents and carers of children and young people in primary and secondary school are encouraged to look out for the consent form in their child’s school bag and return it promptly to ensure their child can receive their flu vaccination. Taking up the offer of vaccination helps protect children and young people from flu and reduces the spread of the virus within schools, families and communities.

Home-educated children and young people, and children and young people who do not attend mainstream education, are also eligible for the flu vaccine. Vaccination can be arranged by contacting the local vaccination team on 0800 130 3120 or by emailing fv.vaccinationenquiries@nhs.scot

For more information about the childhood flu programme visit www.nhsinform.scot/childflu