News

Those in the Western Isles who are eligible for the influenza vaccination are being urged to contact NHS Western Isles to book an appointment, at a venue near them, on 01851 763304.

Please do not contact your GP Practice as this year’s influenza vaccination programme is being managed by NHS Western Isles.

NHS Western Isles has become aware of a number of issues related to the distribution of appointment letters, including the following:

• S​ome individuals who may have already made an appointment or in fact already received their influenza vaccination, may receive another letter offering them another appointment date. We would like to sincerely apologise for the confusion this may cause. If you have already received your flu vaccination or have already arranged an appointment, please ignore this letter.

• ​Some letters being issued to individuals who are not eligible for the influenza vaccination (i.e. you do not fall into one of the eligible groups). If you are confident that you are not eligible for the vaccination, you do not need to contact us for a booking, and please accept our apologies for this confusion.

• Som​e letters have been directing patients to clinics outside their local area. Please don't worry- when you call to book your vaccination, our own local staff will assign you to the correct clinic. 

If you have not yet received your appointment letters and are currently eligible for the free influenza vaccination, you can contact us directly to book an appointment at your convenience.

The most vulnerable patients are being scheduled first, and staff will confirm which group patients fall into when they call us.

Please note that phone lines (01851 763304) are open Monday to Friday, from 9am until 5pm. If it is more convenient, drop a message with your contact number to flu.vax@nhs.net and we will get back to you. Phone lines may be busy but please try calling back if you are unable to get through. 

Again, NHS Western Isles  apologises for the confusion caused in relation to the distribution of letters, and thanks you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.

NHS Western Isles is working to make sure the most vulnerable patients are vaccinated first, and wish to thank the public for their patience as we roll out clinics over the next two months.

All primary school children will be offered the flu vaccination administered by the local school nursing team, during October and November. Most of these school children will receive the vaccine in the form of a nasal spray, avoiding the need for an injection. Consent forms have been sent home in school bags for all primary pupils.

Eligible groups:

• Pre-school children aged 2 to 5 (children must be aged 2 years or above on 1 September 2020 and not yet in school) are also offered a free flu immunisation – again taken as a pain-free nasal spray
• Anyone aged 65 and over (by 31 March 2021)
• Anyone with an eligible health condition (e.g. asthma, stroke, diabetes)
• Pregnant women will be offered the flu vaccination by their midwife
• Healthcare workers
• Unpaid and young carers
• Those living in the same home as people previously shielding from coronavirus
• Social care workers who provide direct personal care

Please note that those aged 55 to 64 by 31 March 2021 will also be eligible for the vaccine from December.

Please visit  www.nhsinform.scot for further information and a full list of eligible conditions.