Flu
This year everyone over 50 and those with certain conditions will be offered a flu vaccination. People aged 50 -64 with no underlying conditions will be called from 4 September for their flu vaccinations. In addition, we’re adding secondary school pupils to the school age pupil cohort, children aged 2-5 and children aged 6 months to under 2 years if thought to be at risk.
Flu and COVID-19
We’ll be offering both flu and COVID-19 vaccines to the people most vulnerable to illness and if possible, we will give both vaccines at the same time to deliver maximum protection. As the protection is highest in the 3 months post vaccination, we will vaccinate those at highest risk of COVID-19 later to give them more protection when most needed over the peak winter period.
Invitations to people aged 65-74 years of age with no underlying conditions and those aged 12-64 years in a clinical risk group (excluding those with a weakened immune system) that leaves them at greater risk from COVID-19 will be the first to receive invitations, with appointments starting from 18 September.
Invitations for all other priority groups receiving both flu and COVID-19 vaccines will follow as the programme progresses. This includes people in care homes and those aged 75 and over who will receive invitations for appointments starting from mid-October. Both of these groups were offered vaccination during the spring COVID-19 programme, so their immunity has received a recent boost.
Groups are eligible for flu vaccination this year
- aged 50 years and over
- aged 18-64 with an eligible health condition
- frontline health and social care workers
- carers (including unpaid carers)
- Teachers and support staff
- Prison population and prison staff
- School age pupils (primary and secondary)
- Children aged 2-5 (not at school)
- Children aged 6 months to under 2 years at risk
More information about cohorts can be found at NHS Inform
Appointment allocation or booking
You should wait for NHS Scotland to contact you with details of your appointment, or until they prompt you to book. Depending on your selected communication preferences, this will be by email, text, or by post in a white, NHS Scotland branded envelope, which replaces the blue envelopes used previously.
Invitations will include either a timed appointment or instructions to book an appointment. Appointments can be booked on the booking portal on NHS inform (nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines) or by calling the Helpline on 0800 030 8013.
The winter programme will aim to complete most vaccinations by early December, but the programme will run until 31 March 2024.
Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and the NHS from both COVID-19 and flu viruses
