Flu vaccinations due to begin in Forth Valley area

Flu vaccinations are beginning in Forth Valley, with the first taking place in Bo’ness on Monday (September 28) followed by the Falkirk area.

This year, due to Covid-19, a very different approach is being taken to maintain physical distancing and help keep safe.

The majority of people will be immunised in a local ‘community hub’ and will receive a letter giving them an appointment time and details of where to attend.

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Large venues such as Bo’ness Town Hall have been booked, and each person will be seen within a 15 minute appointment time.

Around 20 per cent of GP practices, many of those in more rural areas, have opted to carry out their own immunisations but these will not necessarily be in a local practice and could involve nearby medical centres with larger accommodation.

A number of local pharmacies will also provide flu vaccinations to care home staff and those providing care at home, including the Bo’ness branches of Boots and Lloyds Pharmacy.

And, like last year, pharmacies will also immunise people with substance misuse problems.

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NHS Forth Valley GP Clinical Lead, Dr Stuart Cumming, said: “We appreciate that some people, particularly in the over 65 age group with underlying health conditions, may have difficulty in getting to their appointment. If there are issues, such as if they are housebound, there will be a number to contact on their appointment letter to make alternative arrangements.

“We understand that this year is very different to the normal arrangements but are urging people to realise that flu can be very serious and, coupled with the risk of Covid-19, it is vitally important to take up the invitation if you are offered a free flu vaccine this year.”

NHS Forth Valley Director of Public Health, Dr Graham Foster, added: “The more people get vaccinated against flu, the more it will protect the population, and help our NHS avoid the pressure that a spike in seasonal flu would put on top of Covid-19. By everyone playing their part, we can help stop the spread of the flu virus this winter and continue to protect our NHS for those who need it the most.”

Social care workers, people over the age of 55 and household members of people who have been shielding will all be eligible for the free flu vaccine. The Scottish Government will look to extend this to those aged 50-54 if vaccine supplies allow. This is in addition to those eligible in previous years – those aged 65 and over, those with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, children aged between 2 and 5, primary school pupils, healthcare workers and young unpaid carers.

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The specific target groups include those with chronic illnesses which can make flu much more dangerous, including people with heart disease, chest complaints such as bronchitis, emphysema or asthma, chronic kidney failure, cystic fibrosis, lowered immunity due to disease or treatment, diabetes or liver problems.

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