Workers in the following settings are eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
- All staff in care homes for older adults.
- Frontline social care staff who have direct contact with individuals receiving care and support, including housing support, care at home and personal assistants.
There is more information about the vaccine programme in the Chief Medical Officer’s letter.
The winter vaccine programme is targeted at those delivering direct care, whether employed by local authorities, independent or third sector employers.
Scottish Care, the Coalition of Care and Support Providers in Scotland, the Care Inspectorate and the Scottish Social Services Council support this approach.
NHS Scotland will offer both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same appointment, but you can choose if you want to receive both or one of them, just tell your vaccinator.
Getting your winter vaccines
Vaccine arrangements for frontline workers are different across Scotland so look out for your local health board communications about clinics, drop-ins and other opportunities to get your vaccine close to home or work.
For more information about the winter vaccines and to book an appointment online visit www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines.
If you cannot access the online booking system, you can call the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013 (open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays). The helpline is closed Christmas and Boxing Day and 1 and 2 January.
It’s important to keep up to date with the vaccines you’re offered and we encourage all eligible staff to take up this opportunity to help protect themselves against flu and COVID-19 this winter.