First Minister has urged people to check
their eligibility for free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to help
protect themselves, others and the NHS this winter.
The First Minister received his flu vaccination at a winter flu
and COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Blargowrie Community Hospital
this week as he is eligible under NHS guidance due to being an
unpaid carer.
The First Minister said:
“The winter flu and COVID-19 vaccination programme aims to lessen
the severity of symptoms for those most at risk, due to age or
underlying health conditions, and reduce pressure on the NHS and
social care services during the traditionally busy winter period.
“We know that vaccination gives the best possible protection
against viruses likely to be circulating this winter and helps to
reduce the risk of flu transmission. Checking your eligibility
and coming forward for vaccination now can help protect the NHS
when it is a its busiest, as flu season typically peaks of the
Christmas and New Year period. By doing so, you can help protect
those most at risk in our communities and help to relieve
pressure on the NHS when it is at its highest.
“I am enormously grateful to the staff at Blairgowrie, and
everyone else working across the NHS helping to deliver this
vital service, keep communities safe and save lives this winter.”
Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation at PHS
said:
“This year's flu vaccine gives you the best possible protection
against the flu viruses likely to be circulating this season.
“Getting the flu vaccine will reduce your risk of needing to go
to hospital with serious flu illness. It also helps to
reduce the spread of flu and will protect those around you from
catching flu and getting ill. Following vaccination, it takes
around ten days for immunity to build and provide protection
against flu.
“That's why we're encouraging anyone who has not yet been
vaccinated to come forward now, before socialising with loved
ones over the festive season.”
Background
Audio in the form of MP3 and WAV is available to download for use on radio
bulletins.
More information on the winter vaccination programme, including
eligibility and to book appointments, can be found on NHS
Inform.
The following groups will be offered a flu vaccination this
winter:
- School age pupils (primary and secondary)
- Children aged 2-5 (not at school)
- Children aged 6 months to 2 years at-risk
- Those aged 18-64 years with an eligible flu-only clinical
risk condition
- Unpaid carers, including young carers
- Household contacts of those with immunosuppression
- Poultry workers
- Non-frontline NHS workers
- Asylum seekers living in Home Office hotel or B&B
accommodation
- Those experiencing homelessness
- Those experiencing substance misuse
- All prisoners within the Scottish prison estate
