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NHS Western Isles is encouraging everyone eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine to attend for their appointment.

Those eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine should have been invited by letter.

The pneumococcal vaccine is available in Scotland for all people aged 65 years and over. The pneumococcal vaccine is usually only given once.

It may also be available if you're under 65 (including children) and fall under one of the following risk groups, or have one of the following serious medical conditions:

• problems with the spleen, either because the spleen has been removed or doesn't work properly (asplenia)
• chronic respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and emphysema
• serious heart conditions
• severe kidney disease
• long-term liver disease
• diabetes that requires medication
• lowered immunity due to disease or treatment, such as people with HIV, people receiving chemotherapy for cancer, or people who are on long-term oral steroids for conditions such as asthma
• cochlear implants (a specific hearing device)
• cerebrospinal fluid leaks
• if your job involves exposure to metal fumes (for example, if you are a welder)

The vaccine provides some protection against a form of bacterial meningitis caused by pneumococcal bacteria, as well as other conditions such as severe ear infections.

Some adults carry pneumococcal bacteria in the back of their nose and throat and can pass them around by coughing, sneezing, and close contact. Usually, this doesn’t result in serious illness but it can lead to pneumococcal infection, including pneumococcal meningitis.

People aged 65 or over, and adults with certain health conditions, have a higher chance of becoming unwell with pneumococcal infection. People aged 65 or over are more likely to suffer serious long-term health problems from pneumococcal infection, and it can even, in some cases, be fatal.

If you are eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine, you should have received a letter in a blue envelope inviting you to attend an appointment. Please attend your appointment, or if you are unable to make the scheduled appointment, contact us to let us know and we can rearrange a new time for you: 0808 196 8383 or wi.covidvax@nhs.scot.

If you have missed your scheduled appointment, please contact us by phone or email and we can arrange a new appointment at a suitable time. If you have been invited for an appointment and you do not wish to receive the pneumococcal vaccine, please contact us to let us know, so that we do not issue you with reminders.