West Lothian HSCP staff asked to take part in Autumn/ Winter 2022 COVID-19 and Flu campaign

Timing of a future COVID-19 infection wave is uncertain and therefore it is challenging to predict when optimal vaccination would be achieved.

Vaccination in the early stages of the programme offers earlier protection to frontline health and social care workers and the patients and service users they have face to face contact with.

It is possible that we may see an earlier flu season than normal this year, based on data from the southern hemisphere. Early vaccination of the frontline health and social care workforce will provide protection from flu before it reaches its peak.

Where possible, the winter COVID-19 vaccine will be given at the same time as the flu vaccine to those who are eligible. Evidence shows that administration of both vaccines together is a safe and efficient way to deliver maximum protection over the winter months.

For these reasons we would encourage health and social care workers get their COVID-19 and flu vaccines as soon as they are offered them.

Vaccination appointments are available via the online booking portal. Drop-in clinics for health and social care staff are also available until September 18 - staff do not need to book, just drop in at the location most convenient to you. 

Drop-in clinics are available at the following locations in West Lothian:

• Strathbrock Partnership Centre, Mon + Thurs 0815-1830, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun 0815-1730
• Carmondean Health Centre, Mon, Tues 0815-1730
• West Calder Health Centre. Wed, Fri 0815-1730

Appointment only clinics are also available for staff at St John's Hospital, Livingston, until 18 September. 

Remember:

• All staff working in health and social care are eligible for the flu jab.
• Staff at high risk of exposure, who may also expose vulnerable individuals while providing care are also eligible for a COVID booster.
• If you're not public facing, but are eligible for a COVID booster under the public programme, you can get both jabs now at the same clinic visit.   (You are eligible if you are over 50, or have a qualifying health condition or are a household contact of someone who is immunosuppressed.)