New Vaccination Guide on Flu and COVID-19 for Western Isles

A new Vaccination Guide has been produced by NHS Western Isles to help islanders find out about local Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 vaccination arrangements.  The guide is available to view at www.coronavirus.wi.nhs.scot

Written in an easily understood format, the guide offers vaccination guidance on Flu, the COVID-19 first and second dose, and the COVID-19 Booster dose, as well as answering commonly asked questions around eligibility, safety concerns and other vaccination arrangements.

Maggie Jamieson, NHS Western Isles Head of Communications, Claims & Patient Information, said “With increasing levels of social mixing and close social contact, it is expected that during winter 2021 to 2022, COVID-19 will co-circulate alongside other respiratory viruses, including seasonal flu. In addition to the risk of severe illness to those most vulnerable, the flu and COVID-19 viruses have the potential to add substantially to the winter pressures usually faced by the NHS, particularly if infection waves from both viruses coincide.”

As per Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advice, NHS Western Isles is vaccinating people in the highest risk groups for both flu and COVID booster first. Appointments for both vaccines are being scheduled based on clinical need and age, and it will take into the middle of January 2022 for everyone to be offered their vaccines.

Everyone who is eligible will be offered a vaccination. If you haven’t received your appointment letter yet (or have not had an opportunity to attend a drop-in), the message is clear: please be patient and NHS Western Isles will be in touch in due course.

The full list of local Vaccination Clinics schedules can be viewed at: www.coronavirus.wi.nhs.scot