Don’t Miss Out: Your Winter Vaccination Guide for Flu and COVID-19!

NHS Ayrshire & Arran is reminding individuals who have not yet obtained their complimentary winter vaccines to get inoculated before the COVID-19 winter offer concludes on 31 January.

An upsurge in the number of individuals suffering from coughs, colds, and flu-like ailments is noted during the chilly winter months when people tend to remain indoors longer and in larger groups.

This year’s winter vaccination initiative is aimed at safeguarding those most susceptible to flu and COVID-19. This encompasses older adults and individuals with certain pre-existing health conditions, such as heart or respiratory diseases or a compromised immune system, as they face a heightened risk of complications arising from flu and COVID-19. Pregnant women are also highly advised to accept the vaccines, to provide them and their infants with optimal protection against severe illness from these viruses.

All frontline health and social care personnel are eligible for the complimentary flu and COVID-19 vaccines, while every NHS staff member qualifies for the flu vaccine this winter.

To verify your eligibility for either a flu or COVID-19 vaccine this winter (or both), to schedule an appointment, or to inquire about local drop-in arrangements, visit: www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines.

Even though the COVID-19 vaccine offer concludes on 31 January, the flu vaccine will be accessible until the end of March.

The Director of Public Health at NHS Ayrshire & Arran, Lynne McNiven remarked:

“Vaccination continues to be the most effective means to shield yourself and others, and we sincerely urge all those eligible in Ayrshire to step forward and accept the offer.

“Evidence indicates that the flu virus evolves over time and the protective effects of the COVID-19 vaccine diminish. The vaccinations provided this season can enhance your defenses against severe illness due to flu and COVID-19.

“Throughout Ayrshire, drop-in clinics are now accessible to facilitate vaccination for individuals aged 12 years and older* to get immunized. Check our website for the details here:

ENDS

Background

*Children under 12 years cannot utilize drop-in services for flu or COVID vaccines. If your child has missed their flu vaccine appointment, please visit for further guidance on next steps. If you are a parent or caregiver of a child under 12 who has a condition qualifying them for a COVID-19 booster and has not yet received one this winter, please call 01563 826540 to schedule an appointment.

Additional information about the winter vaccines, including eligibility criteria and the online booking portal, is available at www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines.

Appointments and rescheduling are managed via the online booking portal.

For those unable to access information online, you can reach the national vaccination helpline at 0800 030 8013 to book or rearrange your appointment. The helpline operates from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday.

Pregnant women can also schedule an appointment online or through the national vaccination helpline or attend a drop-in clinic, with more information available from midwives. Flu and COVID-19 infections can result in complications such as premature labor, low birth weight, and stillbirth.

If it’s easier for you, you can receive vaccinations closer to your workplace or a regularly visited location.

Some individuals may only qualify for a flu vaccine, while others may be eligible for both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Eligibility Table

Group	Covid	Flu
65+	Yes	Yes
Residents in care homes for older adults	Yes	Yes
6 months – 64 years at Covid-19 clinical risk	Yes	Yes
Staff in care homes for older adults	Yes*	Yes
Frontline HSCWs	Yes*	Yes
Non-frontline NHS workers	No	Yes*
18-64 years with an eligible flu-only clinical risk condition	No	Yes
Unpaid carers (including young carers)	No	Yes
Household contacts of those with immunosuppression	No	Yes
Asylum seekers living in Home Office hotel or B&B accommodation	No	Yes*
Those experiencing homelessness	No	Yes
Those experiencing substance misuse	No	Yes*
All prisoners within the Scottish prison estate	No	Yes
Poultry workers	No	Yes