'Come when you are called' is message from flu and Covid vaccine team in Moray
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THE flu and Covid vaccination programme is underway across Grampian and the message is ‘Come when you’re called’.
Pauline Merchant, clinical lead nurse for the programme, said: “The recent discovery of a new Covid-19 variant – BA.2.86 - highlights the risk this virus still poses. Flu meanwhile continues to be a very serious illnes.
“This is a huge undertaking, managed by a small but extremely dedicated team. We estimate some 400,000 people in Grampian will be eligible for either a flu jab, or flu and Covid-19 vaccination.”
Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), those aged 75+ and/or living in older adult care homes were due to receive their jabs a little later, to ensure maximum protection over the festive period. With confirmation of a new Covid-19 variant, health boards have been advised to take a precautionary approach and bring forward these groups, where possible. Vaccination teams are working to support earlier immunisation; there will be variation in how this will be applied across Aberdeen City, Moray, and Aberdeenshire. Everyone eligible for vaccination will have been invited to get their jabs by early December.
Jo Hall, vaccination programme manager, said: “I know everyone eligible for vaccination is keen to know when they will get their jabs. Appointment letters for those aged 75+ should arrive in the coming fortnight.
“I would ask people not to call into vaccination centres to ask teams there; they won’t be able to arrange appointments and need to focus on delivering immunisation.”
Alongside a vaccination programme for adults, children aged 2-5, and primary and secondary school pupils are being offered flu vaccination.
Dr Clare-Louise Walker, consultant in public health medicine, said: “All consent forms for vaccination at school are now out. Flu can be a serious illness at any age, and ensuring your child is immunised not only protects them, but everyone around them.”
