The rollout of the covid booster vaccination programme for elderly people in care homes began at the end of last month.
With health and social care workers now receiving their booster dose.
As winter creeps in and the colder weather begins, flu season is nearly upon us.
This means that more of us may feel under the weather whether it be the dreaded Covid-19, the flu or the common cold.
So that Scots can be as protected as possible, vaccination programmes are full steam ahead.
But who will be offered a booster, who is eligible for the flu jab this year and when will these be offered?
Here is everything you need to know.
Who is eligible for the booster dose?
Much like other vaccines, the level of protection of the Covid jab may reduce over time.
For that reason, some people will be offered a third dose of the vaccine to make sure the greatest level of protection is provided as we reach the winter months.
The extra dose will also provide longer term protection.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommends the booster dose of the coronavirus vaccine is offered to:
- those living in residential care homes for older adults
- frontline health and social care workers
- all adults aged 50 years or over
- adults aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health
conditions that put them at higher risk of severe coronavirus - adult carers (aged 16 or over)
- household contacts (aged 16 or over) of immunosuppressed individuals
How and when to get your COVID-19 booster vaccine
Those who are eligible for the booster dose will offered their jab at least six months after their second dose.
Most people will be invited to book their appointment online when the appropriate amount of time has passed. It is therefore important that people eligible do not contact the NHS before the six month mark.
You will either invited to a vaccine centre, pharmacy, or your GP.
The NHS will let you know when it's your turn to have a booster dose. It's important not to contact the NHS for one before then.
Some frontline health or social care workers have already received their third dose, those who have not can book a booster dose appointment online now and do not need to wait for the NHS to get into contact.
Who can book online
As explain above, you book your COVID-19 booster vaccine dose online if you are a frontline health or social care worker and have not yet had your booster.
You can also book your booster dose online when contacted by the NHS if you have been contacted by the NHS and you are either:
- aged 50 and over
- aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts you at high risk from COVID-19
Those that are eligible for the flu jab may be invited to get their flu vaccine at the same time as their covid booster jab.
Who has or can get a flu jab?
In Scotland, it is recommended that you receive a dose of the flu vaccination this year if you fall under any of these categories:
- are aged 50 or over (or will be by 31 March 2022)
- have an eligible health condition
- are an unpaid or young carer
What are the eligible health conditions?
Those who suffer from chronic diseases including respiratory disease, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease and neurological diseases.
Other health conditions such as diabetes, immunosuppression, Asplenia as well as disfunction of the spleen mean that you are eligible for a dose of the influenza vaccine.
Those who are morbidly obese are also classed as high risk and therefore are eligible for the jab.
Anyone undergoing chemotherapy treatment or on medication that reduces their immunity is at higher risk and should get immunised.
If you’re under the age of 18 and have a health condition you can also get vaccine. Those who care for someone with a health conditions listed above will also be offered a dose. (or care for someone who does) you should also get the vaccine.
This includes young and unpaid carers.
Unpaid carers are those who provide help and support to partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour who would otherwise be unable to care for themselves.
Those eligible and of school age will be offered the flu vaccine at school.
Unpaid carers and young carers are also eligible for the free flu vaccine.
Unpaid carers provide help and support to a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour, who couldn’t manage without their help.
This could be due to age, physical or mental illness, addiction or disability.
Find out more about the flu vaccine on the NHS inform website here with information about the covid booster jab here.
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