Flu and Covid-19 booster vaccinations 2021/22
02 November 2021
Why get the flu and/or Covid-19 booster?
The Flu and Covid-19 booster programmes have now been launched for this year. It’s important to have the flu vaccine every year to protect not only yourself but also your friends, family and colleagues. Those most at risk from flu are also not the most vulnerable to infection with Covid-19, therefore it’s vital we do all that we can to protect those most at risk.
The primary objective of the Covid-9 booster programme is to maintain protection against severe Covid-19 disease, specifically hospitalisations and deaths, over winter 2021/22. The programme aims to maintain protection in those most vulnerable and to protect the NHS and will run alongside the flu vaccinations programme. Further information can be found in the Coivid-19 Booster Vaccine Programme update.
Who is eligible for the flu vaccination and Covid-19 booster?
All NES employees are eligible for the flu vaccine.
Frontline health and social care workers will be offered a Covid-29 booster once six months has passed since their second full dose. Further information on eligibility can be found here and on NHS Inform.
How can I book an appointment?
You will have access to book an appointment through your current Placement Board and should follow the guidance and information that has been provided to you in order to do this. Placement Board contact details can be found here.
Should you encounter any problems in booking an appointment through your Placement Board, as a NES employee you can access a vaccination appointment through the NES vaccination programme. The clinics will be located at already existing vaccination centres, as well as local health centres. This means that access to vaccinations will be available across Scotland, 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm. Appointments are available to book on the NHS Inform Portal and further guidance on how to book your appointment can be found here.
Before you get started it will be helpful to have the following information at hand;
- Your CHI number
- Date of second COVID-19 vaccination dose
The portal will be continuously updated with new appointments, so please keep checking back for updates should initial dates not be suitable for you.
What do I do if I received my Covid-19 vaccination overseas?
We have recently been made aware that if you had your original vaccine overseas, this is causing some technical challenges with the data and subsequent access to an appointment for the flu and Covid-19 booster vaccinations.
If you received your original vaccine overseas, you can update your information at the following link; https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/after-your-vaccine/request-an-update-to-your-vaccination-record/
Where can I go for more information?
Further information can be found at the following links; Flu Vaccine for Healthcare Workers HR Connect NHS Inform
Should you have any further queries you can contact Hazel Bookham, NSS Occupational Health Nurse, at hazel.bookham2@nhs.scot. Or you can contact the NHS Covid Helpline on 0800 030 80 13 to speak to someone about your appointment, including rescheduling.