News / Flu jab dates announced
A SERIES of clinics are being held in Shetland over the coming months to allow people to receive flu jabs.
The free vaccines are targeted at people aged 65 and over, along with pregnant women and other younger people considered to be at high risk if they catch the flu.
Most adult Lerwick Health Centre patients who are eligible for the vaccination have been invited to attend one of two flu fairs at Clickimin Leisure Centre, with the first held earlier this week and the second scheduled for Tuesday.
Eligible patients who have not received an invite letter and who are less than 75 can just drop by the flu fair for a jab.
Bixter Health Centre is holding appointment-only clinics for eligible patients registered with the practice on 10 and 31 October 2.30pm-5.15pm and 12 and 19 October 2.30pm-5.00pm.
Clinics for eligible adult patients registered with Brae Health Centre will be held at the Brae Hall on 6, 13 and 27 November, all from 2pm until 4.30pm, and these are drop in clinics.
The Scalloway Health Centre is holding a walk-in clinic for eligible adults registered at the practice on 21 November between 3pm and 7pm. There is also a clinic for Scalloway pre-school children aged 2-5 (for the nasal flu vaccine) on 14 November, 2.30pm-5pm.
Patients registered with any of the other health centres/GP practices in Shetland should contact their own practice to find out how to get their flu jab.
NHS Shetland consultant in public health medicine Dr Susan Laidlaw said: “Each year there are slightly different strains of seasonal (winter) flu circulating in the community, this is why a new vaccine has to be given each year.
“The vaccine helps to protect people who are more vulnerable to flu and the complications of flu, including people over 65, those with certain medical conditions and pregnant women.
“Flu can also be very serious for children, particularly the youngest ones who have little or no immunity to the infection which is why flu immunisation is offered to all pre-school and primary school aged children.”
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