Staff News - September 2022

Winter Vaccination Programme

NHS Highland's winter vaccination programme is now underway, with frontline health and social care workers and those aged 65 and over among the first to be invited for their COVID-19 and flu vaccines. They are following the national programme, as set out by the Scottish Government, which means care homes, housebound and health and social care workers vaccinations will start from 5 September 2022 with other groups to follow.  

Plans are in place for vaccinating residents in care homes. NHS Highland have dedicated teams assigned to this and that work will start this month along with vaccinating the housebound. 

For the over 65 age group, letters have already started arriving offering appointments at a nearby clinic. The clinics will start in Highland mid-September at a number of venues. 

Dr Tim Allison, Director of Public Health for NHS Highland said: “If you’re eligible for both the COVID-19 and flu vaccine this winter, they will be given at the same time where possible. Getting both together is safe and will deliver maximum protection over the winter months.

“If you are unable to attend your vaccination appointment please cancel and reschedule. This will allow us to offer the appointment to someone else.”

This is the first time NHS Highland have used the national booking and appointment system for all those eligible as it was previously a mix of Board and GP run clinics. As with any new way of working there can occasionally be teething issues as the programme is rolled out. The NHS Highland teams are working very hard behind the scenes to minimise any disruption this may cause but if you have concerns about appointments please contact their Service Delivery Centre Helpline on 08000 320 339. 

For more information about the Winter Vaccination Programme, please visit NHS Inform.