Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Wednesday 23rd September 2020
Flu Vaccination
NHS Western Isles is strongly urging everyone eligible, to take up the free flu vaccination This year, for the first time, this includes social care workers, those living in the same house as people who have been shielding from COVID-19, and 55-64 year olds
Also those aged 65 and over, those with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, children aged between two and five years, primary school children and health care workers are eligible.
The vaccination programme has already started for health and social care workers in the Western Isles. From the beginning of October, NHS will be offering vaccination appointments to most other eligible groups. People aged 55-64 years will be invited for their free flu vaccine in December.
Letters will be issued shortly by NHS Western Isles inviting you to make an appointment for your flu vaccination. Contact details to make your appointment will be included in your letter. In line with the new GP contract and primary care reform, vaccinations will now be carried out by community nurses rather than by practice nurses. NHS will be offering appointments at a range of community locations near to your own home, as well as in local GP surgeries, to make things easier and more convenient for our local communities.
There will be strict infection prevention and control measures in place to ensure flu immunisation is done in the safest way possible.
Primary school pupils throughout the islands will be offered the flu vaccination administered by the local school nursing team, during October and November. Most of these school children will receive the vaccine in the form of a nasal spray, avoiding the need for an injection. Consent forms have been sent home in school bags for all primary pupils, with parents and carers urged to return the form with consent to ensure their child is protected against flu this winter.
Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Wednesday 23rd September 2020