NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is encouraging people to check in with friends and family members to ensure they’ve made plans to get their Covid-19 and flu vaccines – ideally before the festive season kicks in.
During the colder winter months, when people stay indoors for longer, and in larger groups, there is an increase in the number of people experiencing coughs, colds and flu or Covid-19-like illnesses.
Latest vaccination uptake figures show that many of those eligible are yet to take up the offer of their vaccines. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is prompting those that have received an appointment to ensure that they attend or to make plans to visit one of its scheduled mobile vaccination units or drop-in clinics next week.
The aim is to boost these figures, to protect more people and avoid the viruses peaking over the Christmas period, which happened last year.
Dr Emilia Crighton, Director of Public Health, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde explained how people can support others and help them stay protected this winter.
“We often check in with friends and family at this time of year to see how they’re doing in general. By also offering them your support, such as asking if they’ve made plans to get their vaccine, or if they need help to attend their vaccine, you’re helping them protect themselves against flu and Covid-19 this winter. Please also remember that vaccine protection fades, so if you or a loved one received the vaccine this time last year, you will need it again,” she said.
If the automatic dates provided by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde aren’t suitable, these can be changed online, or eligible individuals can drop into the drop-in clinics listed at NHSGGC – Autumn Winter Vaccination Programme 2023/24. No appointment is required at drop-in clinics.
