The Flu Vaccine. Help protect yourself, others and the NHS

This week we see the start of the national flu vaccination programme, and there are around 100,000 people in Dumfries and Galloway eligible a flu vaccination this year. For those eligible for a vaccination from the NHS may now have already received your letter of appointment. If you have, please do make every effort to attend this appointment.

The following groups are eligible for the free flu vaccine this year:

• All primary school children
• Children aged 2 to 5 (children must be aged 2 years or above on 1 September 2020 and not yet in school)
• Anyone aged 65 and over (by 31 March 2021)
• Anyone with an eligible health condition
• Pregnant women
• Healthcare workers
• Social care workers who provide direct personal care
• Unpaid and young carers
• Those living in the same home as people previously shielding from coronavirus

A second phase is planned to begin in December and will include those aged 55 to 64
(by 31 March 2021) who would not usually be eligible.

Why the Flu Vaccine?

• The vaccine's the best defence against flu
• The vaccine is safe, effective and is the best protection against flu.
• It reduces your risk of getting flu and spreading it to others, especially those who are most at risk.
• You have to be immunised every year because the virus changes each year and your immunity reduces over time. The vaccine takes around ten days to work so the sooner you get it the better. Help our NHS avoid the pressure that a spike in seasonal flu would put on top of coronavirus.

Our Workforce Programme

If you’re not eligible for a vaccination from the NHS, don’t worry as we have our own workforce programme for all colleagues who want the flu vaccine.

Clinics will be run from October to December in various locations throughout the region, and the vaccinations will be administered by qualified staff from our occupational health provider Genesis.

We would ask that you fill out the expression of interest form indicating your work location and home location, and a member of the team will be in contact with you to confirm an appointment time, and clinic location.

We’ve extended hours at clinics so that colleagues can attend outside regular hours, ideal if you are school based.

In cases where appointments are during working hours, you do not need to use flexi to cover this time, however, please seek authorisation from your line manager.

We hope by having extended hours at clinics that colleagues who are unable to access during working time, can access at a time convenient outside their working hours.

Should you have any questions then please do not hesitate to contact the team at flujabs@dumgal.gov.uk or on 07557 205179.

The first clinics will on the 5 - 7 October in Dumfries at our occupational health provider Genesis at the Crichton.

Please indicate in the expression of interest form if you are interested in this clinic so that priority can be given to your application.

Instructions regarding access to the locations will be given when your appointment is confirmed.