VACCINATIONS PROVIDE STRONG PROTECTION AGAINST SEVERE ILLNESS FROM FLU AND COVID-19
Getting notified NHS Scotland has already contacted the majority of eligible adults regarding their vaccinations. Depending on your communication preferences, this outreach may have been via letter, email, or text message.
Most flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are projected to be completed by early December, just in time for the peak winter season.
Protecting vulnerable populations This year's vaccines offer robust protection against hospitalization and severe illness from both the flu and COVID-19. It is strongly advised that individuals with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, and those at higher risk of complications take up the vaccine when offered.
Pregnant women can easily book an appointment online or via the national vaccination helpline, with midwives providing additional information. The consequences of flu and COVID-19 infection during pregnancy can include early labour, low birth weight, and stillbirth, underscoring the importance of vaccination.
Frontline heroes Frontline health and social care workers continue to receive vaccinations, ensuring the protection of the workforce and the continuity of essential health and social care services throughout the winter months.
Those who have not yet received their vaccinations are encouraged to step forward and make an appointment or check local arrangements for staff vaccination.
Appointment etiquette If you have received an appointment, please attend it as scheduled. If you need to make changes, you can rearrange your appointment via the booking portal. For those experiencing difficulties securing an appointment, a brief waiting period and another attempt in a few days are advised.
If you've been given an appointment but choose not to receive the vaccines, NHS Scotland greatly appreciates your cancellation through the portal or helpline. This frees up valuable appointments for individuals eager to get vaccinated.
Are you eligible? If you're unsure about your eligibility for either a flu or COVID-19 vaccine this winter (or both), a self-help guide is available at
www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines. It provides clarity on your eligibility and guides you on booking an appointment. For children under 16 with specific conditions, COVID-19 vaccines are available this winter. Invitations for those aged 12-15 have already been dispatched, while parents and guardians of those under 12 should await contact from NHS Scotland.
A unified message for health Public Health Minister, Jenni Minto, took a stand for health by receiving her flu vaccination in Edinburgh. She emphasized the convenience and accessibility of the vaccination appointments, whether near your home or workplace. Jenni Minto reiterated that "vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and the NHS from both COVID-19 and flu viruses," encouraging everyone to seize their appointments.
A word from health experts Dr. Claire Cameron, Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health Scotland, underscored the vital role of vaccination. She acknowledged the strong protection offered by this season's vaccines against severe illnesses from flu and COVID-19. While appointments may be in high demand, Dr. Cameron assured that available slots would continue to open throughout the coming weeks until December. Health Boards remain committed to ensuring that everyone eligible is safeguarded this winter.
As winter approaches, our unified commitment to vaccination stands as the most powerful tool in our fight against seasonal illnesses. With vaccines offering formidable protection, let us embrace our appointments, protect our communities, and keep Scotland safe throughout the winter months.
VACCINATION REMAINS THE BEST WAY TO PROTECT YOURSELF
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