NHS teams in Dumfries and Galloway are gearing up for a busy vaccination season to help protect people against flu and covid this winter.
Vaccinations will be provided to eligible groups through a gradual programme of delivery with people being asked to wait until it is their turn.
Immunisation co-ordinator Dr Andrew Rideout this week said: “Another very ambitious winter flu and covid vaccination programme is being planned for Dumfries and Galloway.
“Some of the first people who will be receiving flu vaccinations have now started receiving emails, texts or letters asking them to book their slot through the national portal.”
People aged 50-64 with no underlying health conditions are now being called forward for flu-only vaccination appointments starting on September 4. It is also the turn of those in the 18-49 at-risk, flu-only group.
The childhood flu programme is for all children aged from two upwards. Also eligible are children who are at risk and aged six months to under two years. Both flu and Covid-19 vaccines will be offered to people most vulnerable to illness and, where possible, administered at the same time.
Dr Rideout added: “It’s very important that everyone eligible takes up the opportunity to help protect themselves against flu this winter and cut down on the spread of this virus.
“We know that covid has not gone away, and both do still pose a risk to health – particularly as we head towards winter.”
Details on the vaccination timelines for all groups will gradually be announced as the vaccination programme progresses.
NHS teams are hoping to have the majority of vaccinations carried out by early December.
