winter vaccination programme – Page 2 – The NEN

NHS Lothian issues winter vaccines reminder as hospitalisations increase

Those eligible for the free COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are being urged to get their jabs as winter sets in and hospitalisations increase.

The reminder comes as Public Health Scotland (PHS) data shows that in Scotland, in the week ending 11 December 2022, there were on average 735 patients in hospital with COVID-19, an 18.2% increase from the previous week.

Admissions for flu are also on the rise with the highest hospital admission rate noted in patients aged less than one year old (18.5 per 100,000).

Parents and carers are encouraged to get their children vaccinated as soon as possible if they haven’t done so already. All primary and secondary school pupils and all pre-school children aged 2 to 5 (on 1st September 2022) are eligible for the vaccine, as well as children aged 6 months and over with an eligible health condition. The flu vaccine for children is a painless nasal spray which will help protect them and reduce the risk of them spreading the virus to more vulnerable people.

The vaccines are safe, effective and offer the best protection to those most at risk of serious illness from COVID-19 and flu while also helping to protect the NHS at this, the busiest time of year.

Adults over 50 are entitled to get both free vaccines and further information on eligibility for each jab is available at nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines.

Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care with NHS Lothian, said: “We’d like to thank all those who have come forward for vaccination so far. The vaccines are the best protection we have against flu and COVID-19, and with hospital admissions due to the virus rising, it’s really important that that those who are eligible get vaccinated.

“If you are eligible and you’ve not yet had your winter vaccines, or if your child has still to receive their flu vaccine, please arrange to get this as soon as possible.”

Winter vaccines appointments for adults can be booked online at www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines or you can drop in to a local clinic.

For information on the flu vaccines for children, please visit NHS Lothian’s website.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Uptake for the winter vaccine programme is very encouraging with Scotland delivering more jabs per head of the population among over 50’s than any other UK nation. However, the number of hospitalisations from both COVID-19 and flu are on the rise.

“The vaccines help to prevent serious illness and the need for hospital treatment freeing up capacity as we move into what could be the most challenging winter in the history of our health and care service.

“We are concerned that flu-related hospital admissions have been rising, with admission rates highest among very young children, and we urge parents and carers to get their children vaccinated with the painless nasal spray offered to this group.

“As well as protecting the child, the vaccine helps to reduce the risk of children spreading flu to family and friends who are more vulnerable, which is especially important at this time of year when families are getting together more.”

Hospitalisations for COVID-19 and flu increasing

Winter vaccines reminder for eligible groups

Those eligible for the free COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are being urged to get their jabs as winter sets in and hospitalisations increase.

The reminder comes as Public Health Scotland (PHS) data shows in the week ending 11 December 2022, there were on average 735 patients in hospital with COVID-19, an 18.2% increase from the previous week.

Admissions for flu are also on this rise with the highest hospital admission rate noted in patients aged less than one year old (18.5 per 100,000). Parents and carers are encouraged to get their children vaccinated as soon as possible if they haven’t done so already. The flu vaccine for children is a painless nasal spray which will help protect them and reduce the risk of them spreading the virus to more vulnerable people.

The vaccines are safe, effective and offer the best protection to those most at risk of serious illness from COVID-19 and flu while also helping to protect the NHS at this, the busiest time of year.

Adults over 50 are entitled to get both free vaccines and further information on eligibility for each jab is available on the NHS Inform website.

Winter vaccines | NHS inform

Two years of Covid-19 vaccines

More than 14.9 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccination have been administered in Scotland since the first jab was given exactly two years ago.

The initial effort to protect people from the deadly virus was the biggest logistical operation Scotland had seen since the Second World War.

Thousands of volunteers signed up to help NHS staff, mass vaccination centres were rapidly assembled in major cities and mobile units toured the country.

This rapid deployment meant a million Scots were jabbed within three months – averting 27,656 deaths, according to the World Health Organisation, which noted Scotland’s quick uptake.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “On this day we must first remember all those who have lost a loved one to this virus and reflect on what has been an incredibly challenging time for everyone.

“As a nation we can be incredibly proud of our world-leading vaccination programme.

“This could not have happened without the incredible efforts of staff and volunteers across the country. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has not gone away, and I continue to urge everyone to take up the offer of a vaccination when they become eligible. Vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness from the virus.

“Appointments can be booked online at NHS Inform and a number of drop-in clinics are now in operation – details of these are available on local NHS board websites and social media posts.

David Speirs volunteered to help the vaccination effort in March 2021 and is still involved in the national programme. He said: “I applied for the vaccinator training programme when I saw the advert in March 2021.

“I wanted to do something to give back. When I passed the training in May 2021, I felt accomplished and really proud of what we all had achieved being part of the first group. It’s been brilliant to be part of an incredible process to protect people. I maybe the person holding the needle, but behind me there are thousands of others getting us all to this point.”

54 year old Chris Mackinnon is due to receive his winter booster today. He said: “I want to do all I can to stay safe for myself, friends, and family this Christmas. I have been fortunate in that I have not had COVID-19 and I want it to stay that way.”

33 year old Francesca McDonald is also due to be vaccinated today and said: “As someone who is immune-compromised, I’ve been pretty timely at keeping up to date with my vaccinations throughout.

“I have just had a baby so I am delighted be getting this additional protection against COVID-19 so I can enjoy Christmas with my new arrival without worrying about the virus.”

Winter vaccines | NHS inform

Drop-in clinics available across Lothian for winter vaccines

Waverley Mall and Ocean Terminal units open every day

Vaccination clinics across Lothian are now welcoming drop ins from all adults who are eligible for this year’s winter vaccines.

Until Thursday 22^nd December 2022, adults who are eligible for a flu vaccine and/or a COVID-19 winter booster can get their vaccinations without an appointment.

So far, over half a million winter vaccines have been delivered in Lothian, protecting hundreds of thousands of people from the latest strain of flu and topping up their protection against COVID-19.

The COVID-19 vaccine on offer in Lothian is a Spikevax bivalent booster vaccine, which is proven to protect from the Omicron variant as well as older strains of the virus.

For those who are eligible for both vaccines, getting these at the same time is a safe and efficient way to deliver maximum protection over the winter months.

Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care for NHS Lothian, said: “The flu virus is always changing and COVID-19 protection can fade over time, so it’s important we keep ahead of these viruses and top up our protection when offered.

“Even if you’ve already had COVID-19, you can get it again and vaccination is still the best way of protecting yourself and those around you against severe COVID-19 illness.

“If you’re an eligible adult and are yet to get your vaccinations, I’d urge you to take up this offer and drop in to one of our clinics before Christmas.

“For more information on these clinics, and details of how children and teenagers can get their vaccines, please visit our website.”

You may have to wait to be seen if you drop-in.

If you are required to queue and have mobility issues, or need any support or assistance, please make yourself known to a member of staff.

You are welcome to bring a carer, family member or friend along if you wish.

If you prefer to book an appointment, you can still do so online via the booking portal or by calling the National Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013.

Drop-in clinic details can be found on NHS Lothian’s website. Please visit NHS Inform to find out more about the winter vaccines.

If you prefer to book an appointment, you can still do so online via the booking portal or by calling the National Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013.

Area	Site	Days	Drop-in times
East Lothian	Haddington Corn Exchange	Monday to Sunday	8.30am – 12pm1pm – 4pm
Edinburgh	Ocean Terminal	Monday to Sunday	9am – 6.30pm
Edinburgh	Waverley Mall	Monday to Sunday	10am – 5.30pm
Midlothian	Rosewell Steading	Monday to Sunday	8am – 5pm Please note the main car park will be closed between 3pm and 5pm on Sunday 4th December* for the switching on of the Christmas lights. On street parking will be available.
West Lothian	Livingston Designer Outlet	Monday to Wednesday and Friday	9.30am – 5pm
		Thursday	9.30am – 6pm
		Sunday	10.30am – 4.30pm
West Lothian	Carmondean Health Centre	Monday and Tuesday	9am – 12pm1.15pm – 4.30pm
West Lothian	West Calder Health Centre	Wednesday and Friday	9am – 12pm, 1.15pm – 4.30pm
West Lothian	Strathbrock Partnership Centre	Monday to Sunday	9am – 6pm

1.3 million winter vaccines delivered

Most vulnerable protected against COVID-19 and flu

Over a million vaccines have been delivered to protect against the latest strains of flu and COVID-19 in the latest efforts to relieve winter pressure on the NHS.

Frontline healthcare staff and the country’s most vulnerable have been immunised at speed – with 80.2% of all care home residents being fully vaccinated since the rollout began in September.

The next groups in line for their vaccines – over 65s and those at high-risk – are receiving a scheduled appointment and 50-64 year olds will soon be invited to book an appointment. Anyone who has missed an appointment can reschedule through the NHS Inform online booking portal.

The COVID-19 vaccine is being given at the same time as the flu jab where possible, and so far 94% of those invited have had both at the same appointment. Over two million Scots will be offered both vaccines over the next three months – a pace that aims to maintain Scotland’s place as a leading nation on vaccine uptake.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “This impressive uptake is testament to the frontline staff who got us through the pandemic and continue to protect our population and NHS from the threats that winter brings.

“Scotland remains steadfast in the effort to protect everyone – continuing the huge success of the vaccination programme since it was first rolled out in December 2020.

“COVID-19 has not gone away and I call on everyone to take up the offer of a booster as soon as their invitation arrives to protect themselves, their families and the NHS.”

1,369,270 COVID-19 and flu vaccines have been delivered since the winter vaccine programme launched.

Both new bivalent vaccines, which target Omicron and the original variant of COVID-19, are being deployed alongside existing vaccines, though the vaccination individuals receive will depend on age and vaccine availability.

Both the current and new bivalent vaccines provide good protection from severe illness and hospitalisation from known COVID-19 variants.

Rearrange or opt-out of your vaccination appointment | NHS inform

Winter vaccines | NHS inform

NHS Lothian: Winter Vaccinations

If you are aged 50 to 64 with no additional risk factors, please wait to be contacted about your winter vaccination appointment. The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are being given to those most at risk first.

For more information visit http://nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines

Winter vaccine appointment letters starting to land for those aged 5+ with underlying health conditions

Appointment letters for winter vaccines inviting those aged 5 and over who are at higher risk of COVID-19 or flu are being sent out by NHS Lothian via post, e-mail or text over the next five weeks.

This includes those with certain underlying health conditions such as chronic respiratory, liver, kidney, heart or neurological disease, diabetes or with a severely weakened immune system.

More than two million people in Scotland will be offered vaccines over the next three months – with those most at risk the first to be vaccinated to protect themselves and help relieve pressure on the NHS.

Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care for NHS Lothian, who is overseeing the delivery of this year’s programme, said: “We strongly recommend those who are more vulnerable to serious complications from COVID-19 and flu get the vaccines. Both COVID-19 and flu can be serious even if you are healthy.

“Protection fades over time, so it’s important to restore it by having the vaccines when offered them. If you are unable to make the appointment time, please follow the instructions on your letter to rearrange it.”

Appointment letters will include information about how carers aged 16 and over and people aged 5 and over who live with someone with a weakened immune system can book an appointment.

If you have a condition and do not receive an appointment letter, you can check whether you are eligible and book an appointment at NHS Inform. Appointments for children under 16 must be booked by calling 0800 030 8013.

All people aged 65 or over should have received a scheduled appointment for COVID-19 and flu vaccinations by now. If you have not yet received this you can book an appointment at NHS Inform.

Those who are pregnant are also eligible and should speak to their midwife if they do not yet have an appointment.

If you are aged 50 to 64 with no additional risk factors, please wait to be contacted about your winter vaccination appointment.

Winter vaccines programme begins

Elderly care home residents are among the first to receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines as the winter vaccine programme gets underway.

More than two million people in Scotland will be offered vaccines over the next three months – helping protect the public and relieving pressure on the NHS.

Invitations will have been sent to all over 65s by the end of the week and more than 41,000 frontline health and social care workers have booked appointments through the portal since it opened last month, continuing efforts to keep Scotland as the UK’s leading nation in vaccine uptake.

Both new bivalent vaccines, which target Omicron and the original variant of COVID-19, will be deployed alongside existing vaccines, though the vaccination individuals receive will depend on age and vaccine availability. Both the current and new bivalent vaccines provide good protection from severe illness and hospitalisation from known COVID-19 variants. The COVID-19 vaccine will be given at the same time as the flu jab where possible.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf visited the Victoria Manor care home in Edinburgh where residents Agnes Taylor and Andrew Young were among those being vaccinated.

Mr Yousaf said: “This country is indebted to those dedicated frontline workers who work tirelessly to get the majority of Scots immunised all year round – and whose efforts have led to a sharp reduction in hospitalisations in recent months.

“Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourselves, your loved ones, and the NHS from both COVID-19 and flu viruses, and I encourage you to take up the offer of a booster when you receive your appointment.”

Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership Primary Care Strategic Lead David White said: “Like colleagues across Scotland, we’ve been preparing for the winter vaccination programme. Everyone eligible across Edinburgh, should have easy, local access to receive both flu and Covid-19 vaccinations.

“As with other recent campaigns, we have made special arrangements for care home residents and others who are recognised as ‘house-bound’. This includes the eligible partners and carers who will be able to be vaccinated during the same visit. Over 1.25 million people in Edinburgh have received their vaccinations since December 2020, and we encourage all eligible people to attend for vaccination.”

93-year-old Victoria Manor resident Mrs Taylor said: “It’s good being able to have both vaccinations at the same time here in the care home.

“I’m getting both to help my protection and of course, for the protection and safety of others in the care home or visiting.”

More information on winter vaccines | NHS inform

Scotland’s winter vaccination programme gets underway

Latest step in fight against COVID-19

People aged 65 and over as well as frontline health and social care staff will be first in line for a winter booster jab to protect the most vulnerable from COVID-19 and ease the pressure on hospitals.

Letters with appointment times for those aged 65 and over will begin landing on doormats this week so the NHS can get ahead of any potential surge in infections.

The booster jabs will be given at the same time as the flu vaccine to those eligible where possible – evidence shows that administration of both vaccines together is a safe and efficient way to deliver maximum protection over the winter months.

From 22 August the online portal will be available for health and social care workers to book their appointments. Staff should book on the portal or follow advice from their boards on any local arrangements.

Appointments for all other priority groups will be made available as the programme progresses – people in those groups should wait until they are contacted or called forward.

The programme follows advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisation (JCVI) which recommended vaccinating people as soon as possible to have the best chance of mitigating the impact of COVID-19 over the winter.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “As was the case in previous rounds of the vaccination programme, spring/summer boosters have enjoyed very high uptake among eligible groups with 86% of older adult care home residents and 93% of those aged 75 and over gaining an important additional layer of protection at a time when Covid cases rose sharply.

“I’d like to thank all those who have worked so hard to ensure that Scotland still has the highest overall uptake of first, second and third doses in the UK.

“Following the JCVI’s recommendations, we will roll out the winter booster programme getting jabs in arms from early September to ensure those most at risk are protected over winter.

“Vaccination remains the best way to protect your health and those around you – I strongly encourage everyone to take up the offer of a booster jab when they get the call up.”