Vaccination clinics across Lothian are opening to drop-ins for this year’s winter vaccines.
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu remains the best way to protect yourself, and those around you, from the short and long-term effects of the viruses likely to be circulating this winter.
Since this year’s programme began on 4 September 2023, over 400,000 winter vaccines have been administered in Lothian, with 240,000 being flu vaccines and 160,000 COVID-19 vaccines.
From tomorrow (Saturday 11 November) people aged 12 and over who are eligible for one or both vaccines will be able to drop-in to a clinic to get theirs.
Appointments can still be booked via NHS Inform or by calling the National Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013, if preferable.
Parents of primary or secondary school children who have been unable to get vaccinated in school should call 0131 446 4082 to arrange their flu vaccine (nasal spray).
Pat Wynne, NHS Lothian’s Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care, who oversees the delivery of the winter vaccines programme, said:
“To make it as easy as we can for people, we’re offering both drop-ins and booked appointments at a number of clinics. We strongly recommend eligible people prioritise topping up their protection before the festive season.
“The vaccines offered provide very good protection against hospitalisation and severe illness from both flu and COVID-19. They will help to protect not only yourself but those around you, as well as helping to alleviate pressure on the NHS over what is anticipated to be a very challenging winter.
“Thank you to everyone who’s already come forward and please get in touch, or drop-in to a clinic, if you haven’t yet had a chance to get your winter vaccines, or if you have questions around eligibility.”
