Local people across Forth Valley are being urged to ensure they are protected against Covid-19 and flu this winter by getting vaccinated as soon as possible.

Everyone aged over 65 should have received an appointment to attend a local vaccination session however NHS Forth Valley is also running drop-in clinics at local vaccination centres across Forth Valley for anyone in this age group who missed or was unable to attend their original appointment for any reason. These drop-in clinics for people aged 65 and over will run from

Monday 14th Nov – Sunday 20th Nov from 8:30am and 7.00pm at

• Falkirk Community Hospital
• Stirling Health & Care Village
• Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre

Health and social care staff as well as care home staff who did not receive their vaccination at work can also attend local vaccination centres on a drop-in basis without an appointment.

In addition, a number of local pharmacies in Forth Valley are also offering appointments for flu and Covid-19 booster vaccinations to eligible groups – visit www.nhsforthvalley.com/covidvaccine for further information or check with your local pharmacy.

Those aged 5 to 49 years with certain health conditions that puts you at greater risk from Covid-19 and flu should have received a letter with an appointment. If you have an eligible health condition and have not received details of your appointment, you can check your eligibility and book online at www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines or call the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013.

Those aged 50 – 64, those aged 5 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression, pregnant women and unpaid carers aged 16-49 can book an appointment for their flu and Covid-19 vaccinations online at www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines or call the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013.

Appointments for children under 12 who missed their original appointment can be rearranged by calling the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013. Anyone who has any difficulty booking or attending an appointment can also call NHS Forth Valley’s local vaccination team for advice on 0800 130 3120 during normal office hours.

Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Public Health, said: “Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and others against Covid-19 and flu this winter.

“However, we know that protection fades over time, so even if you have been vaccinated before it is really important to get the latest Covid-19 booster to top up your protection against both the original and newer Omicron strains.

“The flu virus also changes every year which is why you will also be offered the latest flu vaccine when you attend for your Covid-19 booster.”