Flu immunisation opportunity for 2-5 year olds in Lewis

Pre-school children on Lewis aged two to five who missed or had to cancel appointments for their flu immunisation are being invited to attend a rescheduled clinic in Stornoway Health Centre on Saturday (October 2). 

The flu vaccine for most children is given as a painless nasal spray.  

Letters have been issued to those who could not or did not attend previously scheduled appointments (please contact us if you did not receive a rescheduled appointment). Parents, carers and guardians are urged to ensure their children attend the rescheduled appointments to provide the protection that the vaccine affords.  

If, for any reason, you cannot attend the rescheduled appointment, please let us know as soon as possible and we will offer an alternative: 01851 708028 (Monday – Friday, 9am – 3.30pm). 

NHS Western Isles Director of Public Health, Dr Maggie Watts, said: “Flu is serious and can result in even healthy children and teenagers ending up in hospital.  This winter, our immunity may be lower than usual due to lower levels of the flu virus circulating last year while the crucial public health measures were in place. Getting the flu vaccine nasal spray is the best way to protect your child and those around them, and will help prevent the flu virus putting extra strain on NHS Western Isles services this winter.” 

“It is more crucial than ever that as many eligible people as possible get vaccinated against flu, so please ensure that your child attends their vaccination appointment (or let us know if your child will not be attending, or if you wish to change the appointment).” 

If you have any questions or concerns about the vaccine, you can visit nhsinform.scot or speak to a health or immunisation team, practice nurse, or GP. 

The flu virus changes every year, so you need to get the vaccine every year to stay protected. The flu vaccine cannot give you flu, but it can stop you catching it.  

In a small number of cases, the nasal spray may not be suitable, and the vaccine can be given as an injection in the arm instead.  

For more information about the flu vaccine, visit www.nhsinfrom.scot/childflu, call 0800 030 8013, or speak to a health or immunisation team, practice nurse, or GP.