Scotland’s winter vaccination programme has started

This year’s winter vaccination programme to protect those most vulnerable to flu and COVID-19 has started in Scotland, with invitations to book or attend an appointment now being sent to those who are eligible.  

Flu can cause serious illness, even for healthy people. The flu virus is always changing and getting vaccinated every year remains the best way to protect yourself.

The COVID-19 vaccine gives you the best possible protection against the COVID-19 viruses likely to be circulating this winter. The vaccine can reduce your risk of getting seriously ill or having to go to hospital this winter.

To prevent the spread of flu and COVID-19, we continue to advise staying home with any respiratory symptoms and to wash hands regularly.

Look out for your invitation or book your appointment

Invites will arrive by post, in a white envelope with clear NHS Scotland branding, or by email or text, depending on communication preferences. Eligible groups will continue to be invited for vaccination as the programme progresses through the autumn and winter.

Parents and carers are being encouraged to look out for an appointment letter by post, or a consent form in your child’s school bag and take up the flu vaccine offer this winter.

Pregnant women can book an appointment online or via the national vaccination helpline, with further information available from midwives. Flu and COVID-19 infection can lead to complications such as early labour, low birth weight and stillbirth.

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Immunisation and Vaccination at PHS said:

“Being vaccinated is the safest and most effective way for people to protect themselves against flu and COVID-19 this winter. Evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccine protection fades and the flu virus changes over time. These vaccines provide very good protection against hospitalisation and severe illness from both flu and COVID-19.

“Anyone eligible for a flu and/or COVID-19 vaccination this winter should look out for their invitation to book or attend their appointment. Please come forward when invited to do so as it is the best way to stay protected this winter.”

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said:

“This year’s flu vaccine gives you the best possible protection against the flu viruses likely to be circulating this season and the COVID-19 vaccination is offered to help protect those most at risk of serious illness from the virus.

“We encourage all those eligible for either or both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines to take up their offer of an appointment when they receive it.”

For more information on the winter vaccination programme visit NHS Inform.