People aged 65 and over to receive Covid-19 booster jab appointments

The autumn flu and Covid vaccination programme is under way for thousands of people across Scotland.

Health Boards are prioritising care homes at the beginning of the roll out; with residents and staff first to receive their jabs.

Health and social care workers and carers will be invited to book their combined flu/Covid-19 appointment using the online portal, with a range of sites/times available to choose from.

Some boards will be offering drop-in clinics or peer vaccination within hospital settings for frontline staff.

Those aged 65-years and over and at-risk groups, aged between 16 and 64,will be scheduled a combined vaccine appointment to the clinic nearest their home address. This can be rescheduled via the online portal.

At-risk children between five and 15 years old will be scheduled a Covid-19 appointment at the clinic nearest their home address. This can be rescheduled via the National Call Centre if required. Flu vaccination will be delivered at school clinics.

If you are pregnant, you will be offered both a Covid-19 and flu jab. These will be delivered through midwives, or by self-booking via the online portal.

Children aged six months to two years old (with an eligible health condition) and those aged two to five years old will be offered flu vaccination this year, as will all primary and secondary school pupils.

Teachers and school support staff will be offered the same.

Health secretary Humza Yousaf encouraged those who are eligible to come forward for their doses.

“Life has returned to normal for many of us, but Covid-19 hasn’t gone away. So, while the level of infection remains as high as it is, we ask everyone to continue to please take sensible, basic steps in order to protect yourself and others.

“Providing the vaccine to those eligible and protecting the nation’s health has required, and continues to require, massive mobilisation and collaboration across a wide range of partners.

“I am enormously grateful to everyone who is working tirelessly to make this programme a success and to ensuring that we continue to combat Covid-19 and protect ourselves and others.”