East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership is kicking off its 2021 Winter Flu Vaccination programme this week for adults across the county
‘Flu is serious and it is really important to keep yourself protected, so please take up the offer of the vaccine if you get a letter.'
Krista Clubb, Primary Care Vaccination Service Manager
Flu vaccinations are now available to eligible groups. If you are eligible for flu vaccination, you will receive a letter from NHS Scotland either offering you a date and time to attend a clinic for your vaccination or to invite you to register for vaccination. Details of how to register or how to change your appointment will be provided in the letter.
It is important to check of you are eligible because the flu vaccine is being given to a wider group than in previous years. Those additional groups include everyone over the age of 50; nursery, primary and secondary school teachers and pupil-facing support staff in council and independent schools; social workers, and unpaid adult/young carers. There is more information about who is eligible for vaccination on the NHS Inform website at https://www.nhsinform.scot/flu-vaccine
Vaccination clinics will operate from two main sites across the county:
- East Lothian Community Hospital in Haddington
- Musselburgh Primary Care Centre.
Krista Clubb, Primary Care Vaccination Service Manager said:
‘From now on, GP practices will not be giving you your flu jab. Across Scotland, Health and Social Care Partnerships are taking on this role in line with the GP Contract agreed by BMA Scotland on behalf of Scottish GPs. This change has been agreed to relieve pressure on GP practices. Your practice will not be offering any flu vaccinations or handling bookings for people in eligible groups this year.
‘If you need help to book an appointment, or need further information, please contact the help line on your appointment invitation. Please do not contact your GP. You can find information about Flu an vaccination on the NHS Inform and our own website will keep you up to date on local vaccination clinics.
‘Many people came to us for their flu jab last year and have visited our vaccination centre in East Lothian Community Hospital for their Covid vaccine. We have received lots of very positive feedback.
‘Flu is serious and it is really important to keep yourself protected, so please take up the offer of the vaccine if you get a letter.'