Question reference: S6W-05961
- Asked by: Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 27 January 2022
-
Current status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 8 February 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the flu vaccination programme in (a) general and (b) NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and what the latest guidance is on when eligible members of the public can book appointments.
Answer
Flu vaccinations were paused in December 2021 to allow the NHS to address the immediate challenge of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Local health boards are now offering flu vaccinations to those who are eligible, with uptake of flu vaccines among over 65s at 90.1%, which is already higher than the previous year.
Those who are aged 70 years or over will be contacted by their health board about their appointment by letter or telephone call. Those aged 65 to 69 years will be contacted by their health board by letter about their appointment.
Our focus remains on protecting people based on clinical need, medical advice, and evidence. On that basis, other healthy people aged 50 to 64 years generally will no longer receive the flu vaccine this season. Anyone unsure whether they are eligible should check with their local health board, and can find more information about flu vaccination on NHS Inform The flu vaccine (nhsinform.scot) .
Anyone who is eligible and would like to receive a flu vaccine can do so by checking How to get your flu vaccine | The flu vaccine (nhsinform.scot) . If the appointment received is not suitable, individuals can rearrange their appointment at Rearrange your flu vaccine appointment | The flu vaccine (nhsinform.scot) .
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde advise that those eligible can get vaccinated at participating NHS community pharmacies.