Health Secretary Jeane Freeman announced today during the Scottish Government's daily coronavirus briefing that they are aiming to vaccinate 2.25m people against flu in Scotland this winter.
The nationwide programme, which will be delivered in two phases, already covers those who are over 65, those under 65 with underlying health conditions, NHS staff, pregnant women, unpaid and young carers and children both aged 2-5 and those in primary school.
However, in light of Covid-19, the Government has significantly expanded free eligibility - as they aim to vaccinate 50% more people in the country than in previous years.
Here's who is now eligible and how to get the vaccine this winter:
Who is also now eligible for a free vaccine?
In light of coronavirus, eligibility will now be expanded to include social care workers who provide direct care, household members of those who were advised to shield and those aged 55 and over (by 31 March 2021) who are not otherwise covered.
The following groups have been encouraged to come forward so far: health and social care workers, primary school children and those aged two to five, as well as those aged 65 and over and anyone living in the same home as people previously shielding from Covid-19.
Pregnant women, young and unpaid carers and household members of those shielding are invited to visit nhsinform.scot/flu or call 0800 22 44 88 for information on how to make an appointment.
Where will I be able to get the vaccine?
The Health Secretary confirmed that NHS boards will be leading the delivery of the vaccine with walk-in and drive-thru centres, using GP practices as before but also other locations, all tailored to suit local circumstances.
New walk-in or drive-through centres have been set up in many areas within local facilities, such as town halls and community hubs, along with outreach programmes for the sole purpose of delivering the free flu jab. They will provide an alternative to GP surgeries for many adults who are eligible and have received, or will receive, a letter in the coming weeks, to book a vaccination appointment.
As in previous years, local health teams will be deployed to primary schools to offer the vaccination to all primary school aged children.
For those living in and working in care homes, along with those receiving care at home and the elderly, local NHS boards are making arrangements for vaccinations to take place in the home.
When will the flu vaccine programme run until?
The flu vaccination programme will run from early October through to February next year.
More information on eligibility and how to make an appointment in your area is available at nhsinform.scot/flu – or call 0800 22 44 88 where an NHS24 call handler will be able to direct you.
