The run up to Christmas can be a busy time of year, but NHS Ayrshire & Arran is making it as easy as possible for those eligible to get their winter vaccinations this December. If you are due either your seasonal flu and/or your COVID vaccine you can get it without an appointment at a local drop-in clinic from Saturday 6 December.
There are high levels of viral respiratory infection circulating in our communities at this time, including flu and COVID. Vaccination is our best protection against these viruses and is particularly important for those most vulnerable to severe illness. If you are eligible, you are urged to come forward for vaccination.
Drop-in vaccine clinics will be running in Ayrshire at the venues and times stated below and can cater to eligible groups aged 18 years and over*:
Saturday 6 December
- Girvan Community Hospital, 9am – 4.30pm
Sunday 7 December
- Largs Academy, 9am – 4.30pm
- Patna Primary School, 9am – 1.30pm
Tuesday 9 December
- Beith Community Centre, 1pm – 4.40pm
- Walker Hall, Troon, 9am- 4.30pm
Thursday 11 December
- Dalmellington Community Centre, 9am – 4.30pm
- Stewarton Area Centre, 9am – 4.30pm
Saturday 13 December
- Age Concern Hall, Millport, Isle of Cumbrae, 9.30am – 2pm
Sunday 14 December
- Muirkirk Primary School, 9am – 11.30am
- Logan Community Centre, 2pm – 3.30pm
People eligible for both flu and coronavirus vaccinations include all over 75 year olds and those with a weakened immune system.
People eligible for flu vaccines include those age 65 and over, 18 to 64 years with certain health conditions, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, unpaid carers and health and social care staff.
Further scheduled clinics will be announced in due course. Please visit our website to get the latest details of drop-in vaccination opportunities: Winter Vaccine Programme – NHS Ayrshire & Arran
NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Director of Public Health, Lynne McNiven said:
“The flu season has begun early in Scotland and we are seeing high levels of infection here in Ayrshire, both in our communities and unfortunately in our hospitals too.
“As the festive season draws closer, many of us will be spending more time with family and friends indoors, which can mean viruses such as flu and COVID-19 are more likely to spread.
“These winter vaccines help the body to build up maximum protection, so those eligible for one or both vaccines who have not yet come forward are being urged to do so now.
“Our dedicated vaccination teams have been working hard in communities across Ayrshire delivering winter vaccines since September. Teams are delighted to now be able to offer additional opportunities for people to get their flu and COVID vaccinations without an appointment. If you’re eligible, simply come along to the location that suits you best from the clinics listed and you can get your winter vaccines on a drop-in basis.
“If you prefer, you can also book a slot, as we have bookable capacity at our local vaccine clinics. Call the helpline on 0800 030 8013 or visit the booking portal on the NHS Inform website to get a date in the diary to protect yourself against seasonal flu and coronavirus.”
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Background
*Children aged under 18 years cannot drop-in for flu or COVID vaccines to these clinics. If your child has missed their flu vaccine appointment please visit Flu vaccination – NHS Ayrshire & Arran for further information on what to do. If you are a parent or carer of a child under 18 who has a condition that makes them eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine and is yet to have one this winter please call 01563 826540 to arrange an appointment.
You’ll be offered flu and coronavirus vaccines this winter if you’re:
- living in a care home for older adults
- aged 75 and over
- aged 6 months and over with an eligible health condition
You’ll be offered the flu vaccine if you’re:
- aged 65 and over
- aged 18 to 64 with an eligible health condition
- pregnant
- living with someone who has a weakened immune system
- an unpaid or young carer
- a health and social care worker
- a poultry worker
- an asylum seeker living in a home office hotel or B&B accommodation
- experiencing homelessness or substance misuse
- living in a Scottish prison
- living in long-stay residential care home or other long stay care facility
- a child aged 2 to 17 years