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Winter flu vaccine rollout begins. Who's eligible?

News imagePublic Health Scotland A woman in blue medical scrubs is giving another woman a vaccination. They are in a medical office both looking at the needle not the camera.Public Health Scotland
Those who are most at risk are being urged to get their flu vaccine

Pregnant women, older people, and those with underlying health conditions are being urged to get their flu jab as the winter vaccination rollout begins.

Last year, almost 5,000 adults in Scotland were hospitalised as a result of flu, Public Health Scotland (PHS) said.

Dr Claire Cameron, consultant in health protection at PHS, said getting vaccinated was the best way to reduce this number and keep yourself and others safe.

Those who are eligible for the vaccine will be contacted by NHS Scotland.

Can I get the vaccine?

If you are eligible, you should be contacted by NHS Scotland by post, email or text.

The main groups are:

  • aged 65 and over
  • aged 18-64 with an eligible health condition
  • an NHS or health and social care worker
  • a carer
  • a household contact of someone with a weakened immune system
  • pregnant
  • working with certain animals
  • experiencing homelessness or substance abuse

More information on eligibility is available on the NHS Scotland website.

Children can also get the vaccine from the age of two until they leave secondary school.

But rather than a jab, this is usually in the form of a spray into each nostril.

Do I need to get it every year?

In short - yes, says Dr Cameron.

"The flu virus is always changing", she says.

"Getting vaccinated every year is the best way to stay protected against the strains most likely to be circulating this flu season."

News imageDr Claire Cameron looks into the camera. She is wearing a blue and black dress and black glasses. She has short, light hair. She is stood in front of a white brick wall.
Dr Cameron is urging those eligible to get vaccinated

The vaccine is updated annually to target the type of flu which is predicted to be circulating.

This is often done by looking at the strain of flu in the southern hemisphere who have just had their winter flu season.

Can I still get the Covid vaccine?

Those also eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine will also be contacted via post, email or text.

This applies to those who are:

  • aged 75 and over
  • resident in a care home for older adults
  • aged six months and over with a weakened immune system

It is no longer being offered to pregnant women or frontline health and social care workers.

NHS Scotland say this is due to an increased immunity within the population as a whole.

More information on eligibility is available on the NHS Scotland website.

'Now's the time to get your jag'

News imageMaureen Ferrie looks into the camera. She is wearing a green and black shirt, has gold earrings, and blond hair. She is in a hall.
Maureen Ferrie manages a community centre where vaccines are being administered

Some of the first vaccinations took place in Glasgow at the Greater Easterhouse Supporting Hands centre.

Maureen Ferrie, who manages the centre, was pleased to see such a good turnout.

"I've taken (the vaccine) because of my age and obviously I'm meeting a lot of people, so now's the time to get your jag," she said.

Peter McCann was also in for his appointment.

"There's nothing to be afraid of," he said.

"To me it's a good thing and if you're going to get it done, get it done now!"