Eligible patients living on the Isle of Arran are being invited to attend community clinics on 19 and 20 October to receive their winter vaccinations.
COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccines are being offered to those most at risk, helping to prevent severe illness and hospital admissions. As flu and COVID-19 viruses continue to evolve, having your winter vaccinations each year provides the best protection against the strains expected to circulate during the coming months.
For citizens who missed their flu vaccination at clinics held in September, there is the opportunity to come along to drop-in clinics:
- Monday 19 October 2026 from 8.30am to 6pm in Brodick Hall
- Tuesday 20 October 2026 from 8.30am to 3.30pm in Brodick Hall
Eligible residents are strongly encouraged to attend one of these clinics, as they are currently the only confirmed vaccination sessions planned on the island this autumn. Please note that unfortunately winter (flu and COVID-19) vaccinations will not be available through Brodick Pharmacy this year as part of the national programme.
The clinics are also open to eligible Health and Social Care staff who live or work on the Isle of Arran and wish to receive their flu vaccination.
People eligible for the seasonal vaccination programme may be offered a flu vaccine, or both flu and COVID-19 vaccines, depending on their circumstances. NHS Ayrshire & Arran is urging everyone who receives an invitation to make every effort to attend one of the clinics on 19 or 20 October, as vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against serious illness.
Winter viruses can cause severe illness, particularly among older people, those with weakened immune systems and others at increased risk. Vaccination helps reduce the risk of complications and provides important protection for individuals, families and local health and care services throughout the winter period.
Jennifer Reid, Senior Programme Manager – Vaccination, said: “It is really important that everyone who is eligible for this year’s winter vaccination programme attends one of the clinics on 19 or 20 October. These are the only confirmed vaccination dates currently planned for Arran, and while we hope to offer mop-up opportunities in the future, we cannot guarantee when these may take place.
“Getting vaccinated ahead of the winter months is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others from serious illness, particularly those who are most vulnerable to the impacts of flu and COVID-19.”
BACKGROUND
You’ll be offered flu and coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines this winter if you’re:
- living in a care home for older adults
- aged 75 and over
- aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system
You’ll be offered the flu vaccine if you’re:
- aged 65 and over
- living in a long-stay residential care home or other long stay care facility
- 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 care worker or patient facing social care worker
- a poultry worker or bird handler
- a cattle or swine worker
- an asylum seeker living in a home office hotel or B&B accommodation
- experiencing homelessness or substance misuse
- living in a Scottish prison
Read more about the winter vaccination programme in Ayrshire.
Read more about the child flu vaccine, including who is eligible.