WINTER VACCINATIONS APPOINTMENTS

If you’re 75 or over you should have received your winter vaccinations invitation from NHS Western Isles

NHS Western Isles is currently inviting those aged 75 and over for their Flu and COVID-19 winter vaccination appointments.

The vaccines are being offered to those who are most at risk of getting seriously ill from Flu or COVID-19.

NHS Western Isles is inviting those eligible for the vaccines by group, starting with those in care and nursing homes, those aged 75 and over, and children.

If you are aged 75 or over and have not yet received an appointment, we would encourage you to contact us to arrange an appointment as soon as possible.

If you have received an appointment that you are unable to, or do not want to, attend, we would appeal to you to please let us know if you are unable to attend for any reason, of if you would prefer a different appointment time.

We are already experiencing a concerningly high level of non-attendance at scheduled appointments this season. Missed appointments waste vaccinators’ precious time and mean that the number of appointments available for patients is reduced by each non-attendance that occurs.

NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, Gordon Jamieson, said: “We would make a plea to everyone with a scheduled appointment to please make every effort to attend. If you are not able to, or do not wish to attend, please let us know as soon as possible. You will not be questioned as to why, however it will help us plan our scheduling more effectively. If you would prefer to reschedule your appointment, please let us know and we can do this for you.

“We would appreciate as much notice as possible if you are unable to attend, but even late notification is better than no notification at all.

“Letting us know that you are unable to make your appointment means that the appointment time may be offered to someone else, or the clinic could be reorganised to prevent a wasted vaccination clinic time.”

You can notify NHS Western Isles if you are unable to attend an appointment on 0808 196 8383 (please leave a message outwith office hours or if lines are busy) or email:wi.primarycare@nhs.scot and this will also allow us to reschedule your appointment if appropriate.

For further information on the vaccinations and eligibility, please visit www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk/vaccination-services/

We will be inviting additional eligible groups over the coming weeks and months.