This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Scotland extends vaccine programme
The Scottish Government has announced that social care workers, people over 55 and household members of those who are shielding will all be eligible for the free seasonal flu vaccine.
To protect those most at risk from concurrent infection of coronavirus and flu, the Scottish Government is expanding the vaccination programme to new groups and increasing capacity to vaccinate more people than ever before.
Groups who will continue to be eligible for the free flu vaccine include: those aged 65 and over, those with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, children aged between two and five, primary school children, health care workers and young and unpaid carers. The Scottish Government will look to extend to those aged 50-54, if vaccine supplies allow.
NHS Scotland Health Boards will be delivering the expansion of the vaccination programme, and will be taking a phased approach. This allows boards to begin vaccination for different groups, as soon as the necessary supply of vaccine becomes available, whilst prioritising those most at risk. The first phase will begin in October and will include those who are already eligible, household members of those shielding, and front-line social care workers.
The second phase is planned to begin in December, and will incorporate those aged 55 to 64.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “The seasonal flu vaccination programme helps to protect the most vulnerable and alleviate pressure on the NHS. This will be more important than ever this year, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. That’s why this flu season, we are extending free eligibility to social care workers who provide direct care, household members of individuals who are shielding, all those aged 55 and over, and those aged 50-54 if vaccine supplies allow.
“We want to reassure those who may now feel anxious about leaving home to get vaccinated. Getting the seasonal flu vaccine, especially when you have free eligibility, is one of the ways that you can support the NHS whilst protecting yourself and others this winter. If you think you are eligible for the vaccine, please visit NHS Inform, and if you receive a letter inviting you to get a vaccine, please follow the instructions.”
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