Today's flu clinic opened up to ‘drop-in' for over 50s

A mass clinic for flu vaccination being held in Stornoway today has been opened up to anyone aged 50 or over to attend on a drop-in basis (no appointment needed). 

It is also open to any health or social care staff or unpaid carers who have not yet had their flu vaccine.

The clinic is being held in the Caberfeidh Hotel in Stornoway and eligible individuals can attend for their vaccine any time before 4pm today.

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.

NHS Western Isles Director of Public Health, Dr Maggie Watts, said: “Flu is serious and can result in even healthy individuals 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 is the best way to protect yourself and those around you, and will help prevent the flu virus putting extra strain on NHS Western Isles services this winter.  
 

“It’s more crucial than ever that as many eligible people as possible get vaccinated against flu. 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.”  

For more information about the flu vaccine, visit NHS Inform call 0800 030 8013, or speak to a health or immunisation team, practice nurse, or GP.