Flu Vaccination

IMPORTANT

People aged 60 - 64 years are now eligible to get a flu vaccination.


Drive and walk through clinics are available on


Friday 11th and Saturday 12th December 


See 'Where do I get my flu vaccine' below for details. Information is also available  at


NHS Inform - Flu

or

from the designated flu advice line on


0800 22 44 88


Flu Vaccination 

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Flu (also known as influenza) is a highly infectious illness caused by the flu virus. It spreads rapidly through small droplets coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person.  

For most people, flu is unpleasant but not serious. You will usually recover within a week. Studies have shown that flu vaccines provide effective protection against the flu, although protection may not be complete and may vary between people. 

Protection from the vaccine gradually decreases and flu strains change over time. Therefore, new vaccines are made each year and people at risk of flu are encouraged to be vaccinated every year. 

The flu vaccination is offered to people in at-risk groups. These people are at greater risk of developing serious complications if they catch flu, such as pregnant women and elderly people. 

With coronavirus (COVID-19) around it's more important than ever to get the flu vaccine 

Who is eligible for Flu Vaccination


Patients eligible for an NHS flu vaccination  as in previous years are:


     

In addition, these categories have been extend this year to include:

 

  • Those living in the same home as people previously shielding from coronavirus but under 18's can not be vaccinated at the drive through sites 
  • Adults aged 60 to 64 (by 31 March 2021) who would not usually be eligible can now be vaccinated however vaccination is still not currently being offered to adults aged 55 - 59.
  • Social care workers who provide direct personal care

Where do I get my flu vaccination ?


The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and the need to keep physical distancing means it is not possible for GP practices to give flu vaccines safely to everyone that should get one. In Edinburgh, hubs ( drive through and walk through clinics) have been setup around the city to give flu vaccines to eligible people. This will allow as many as possible to be vaccinated, while making sure physical distancing and hygiene standards are maintained.


If you are aged 60-64 years, or are in another eligible group for an NHS flu vaccine but have not yet had your flu vaccination you have the choice of attending the following drive through or walk throughs. It is not possible to vaccinate under 18's  at the drive through or walk through sites.  Drive through clinics cannot accommodate cyclists or pedestrians.


Drive-through clinics


Location:     Edinburgh Park -  at the Younger Building, 3 Redheughs Avenue, Edinburgh, EH12 9RH (beside the Gyle)


Dates:           Friday 11 December

Saturday 12 December



Walk-through clinics


Locations:   Sighthill Health Centre

Pennywell All Care Centre

Leith Community Treatment Centre

Gracemount Medical Practice

Craigmillar Medical Practice


Date:            Saturday 12 December


Time:  For both drive-through and walk-through clinics the time you should attend is dependent on the first letter of your surname,  to help with queuing and traffic flow time. If there is more than one person in the car, you should come at the time allocated by the surname of the driver.  Further information about attending can be found here.

Time First letter of surname
9 - 11am A - G
11.30am - 1.30pm H - O
2 - 3.30pm P - Z

There is a possibility due to severe weather conditions that some clinics may need to be re-arranged so we strongly recommend that you check our website or NHS Inform  the day before you plan to go along for your flu vaccination in case there has been a change.


Children aged 2-5 years will not be vaccinated at the drive through sites. Parents/ Guardians should now have all received  a letter from the Heath Board with details about appointment times and where to attend.


Primary school-aged children (aged 4 to 11 inclusive) will be vaccinated at school.


S1 - S6 children in an 'at risk' category (aged 12-17 years inclusive) will be vaccinated in the GP practice.  If your child is at high school and has a medical condition that makes them at greater risk from flu and are therefore eligible for an NHS  flu vaccination the parent /guardian should have received a letter with instructions to arrange an appointment for flu vaccination in the practice. 


Under 18's who are in the same household as people who were previously shielding should arrange a flu vaccination in the GP practice. It is not possible for under 18's to be vaccinated  at the drive through and walk through sites.


Vaccinations for those aged 55 - 59 (who are not already eligible) will be offered a vaccine in a later phase of the flu vaccination programme and information about this will be available soon.

 

Further information about flu and the flu vaccination  can be found at  NHS Inform - Flu. You can also call the designated flu advice line:  0800 22 44 88.

 

Arrangements for flu vaccination for patients who are housebound remains unchanged from previous years.


Community Pharmacies: if you are unable to attend the drive through for your flu vaccination some community pharmacies are able to provide this for NHS eligible patients over the age of 18 years old in an ‘at risk’ group and all patients over 65 years.


Appointments will generally only be available by prior arrangement so please contact your local pharmacy by telephone to book an appointment. Details of local pharmacies that are providing NHS flu vaccinations can be found here.


Most local pharmacies are also still able to provide flu vaccination for those not eligible for an NHS flu vaccination.


Any comments, feedback or suggestions can be emailed here


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