COVID booster and ‘flu jabs – have you booked yours?

Published: 24/11/2021 09:44

 

22 November 2021

NHSG/61/21

COVID booster and ‘flu jabs – have you booked yours?

People across north-east Scotland, eligible for their COVID-19 vaccine booster and flu jabs, are being encouraged to book their vaccination appointments via the online booking portal.

The portal opened on Monday 15 November, for those aged 50 to 59, unpaid carers who are 16 and over, and those aged 16 and over who are household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals, to book their vaccination appointment online.

To date, 10,144 have already booked appointments. We estimate there are approximately 50,000 Grampian citizens in these eligible groups who have not yet registered for a booster appointment.

Julie Fletcher, Project Manager for the ‘Flu/COVID-19 vaccination programme said: “We have appointments available, from as early as next week, at vaccination centres across Grampian. If you are eligible for a flu vaccination it is highly likely that you will also be eligible for a COVID-19 booster. Your appointment will see you offered both vaccinations at the same time for your convenience and to make best use of resources.

“Once booked, we urge everyone to make effort to attend their appointment. At present, more than 600 appointments every day in Grampian are marked as ‘Did Not Attend’, wasting valuable time and resources at clinics.

“’Flu is a serious illness – it is much more than ‘just a cold’ – and the annual immunisation programme offers vital protection. The COVID booster ensures maximum protection for those most at risk of the virus.”

Those aged 40 to 49 are now also eligible for a COVID-19 booster and will soon be able to book their appointment via the portal, once those in the earlier priority groups, who are at greater risk, have been vaccinated. For all eligible groups, at least 24 weeks should have elapsed from the second dose being administered, before the booster is given.

The online booking portal is available at www.nhsinform.scot/vaccinebooking and those without online access can book an appointment through the National Helpline on 0800 030 8013.