Flu vaccinations - Important information for patients
Update - as at 24 November
The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and the need to keep physical distancing means it is not possible for GP practices to run flu clinics this year and the Vaccination Programme is being managed by the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership.
The Edinburgh HSCP has been running flu clinics around the city for eligible adults since the end of September but these have now come to an end. We are awaiting information on any further clinics that will be offered and will update you as soon as we have any news.
If you attend a GP or Nurse appointment in person during the flu vaccine season, you may be given a flu vaccine while you are in the practice, but you will not be able to make an appointment just to receive a flu vaccine as we are not running specific flu clinics.
You can also check the NHS Inform website www.nhsinform.scot/flu where full information is given, including a guide to your eligibility and vaccination arrangements.
If you have issues finding relevant information or have any questions, please call the NHS Inform Helpline on 0800 22 44 88.
For other eligible groups:
- Letters will be sent to families of 2-5 year olds inviting them to an appointment at a central location.
- If you are housebound and have not yet had your vaccination please contact the Practice. If you receive regular visits from the District Nurse Team or GP they may do this for you instead.
- Community Pharmacies are offering flu vaccination but are restricted in numbers and you must contact the relevant pharmacy for information.
The Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership are keen to hear feedback from the public in relation to the program - please contact them by e:mail with any comments, positive or otherwise. Please e:mail them on edinburghprimarycaresupportteam@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Thank you for your cooperation
Am I eligible for a free flu vaccine?
These groups are eligible for the flu vaccine this year:
- all primary school children
- children aged 2 to 5 (children aged 2 on 1 September 2020 and not yet in school)
- anyone aged 65 and over as at 31 March 2021
- anyone aged 55 - 64
- anyone aged 18-64 in clinical risk groups
- those living with people who were shielding during lockdown
- pregnant women
- healthcare workers
- unpaid and young carers
- social care workers who provide direct personal care
Flu information in other formats or languages
Flu information - English
Flu information - BSL
Flu information - Urdu
Flu information - Polish
Flu information - Punjabi
Flu information - Mandarin
Flu information - Bengali
Flu information - Cantonese
Flu information - Arabic
If you have coronavirus symptoms
Please see the NHS Inform website for the most up to date guidance CORONAVIRUS ADVICE
If you’ve developed symptoms (however mild), stay at home for 10 days from the start of your symptoms and arrange to be tested. Do not go to your GP, pharmacy or hospital.
You should remain at home until you get the result of the test, and then follow the advice you will be given based on the result.
Read the NHS Inform stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection.
When to get help
Only phone 111 if:
your symptoms worsen during home isolation, especially if you’re in a high or extremely high-risk group
breathlessness develops or worsens, particularly if you’re in a high or extremely high-risk group
your symptoms haven’t improved in 10 days
If you have a medical emergency, phone 999 and tell them you have coronavirus symptoms.
Minor Injuries Service
If you have a minor injury please Call MIA for a confidential assessment by video call with a qualified Nurse Practitioner.
This service can help patients aged 8 years and over quickly and easily with injuries that are less than 14 days old. This includes:
- strains, sprains and suspected broken bones
- wounds and burns
- damage to joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves and tendons
- minor bumps to head and face
- eye injuries
- insect bites and stings
To arrange a video consultation please call 0300 790 6267. You will be sent a link to open at the time of your appointment which connects you to a member of the healthcare team. To work you will need a reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet or computer with a webcam.
A Nurse Practitioner will assess your injury and provide advice and treatment within a matter of minutes. A lot of minor injuries can be treated from the comfort of your home or with the help of a local pharmacy.
If they decide you need to go to a Minor Injuries Service, you will be given a convenient appointment time to save you waiting when you attend. If you do not have video technology, but need to be seen, you will be given an appointment at a minor injuries service.
In the case of a life-threatening emergency always dial 999 for assistance.
If you are concerned about an injury that is more than 14 days old, please contact your GP for advice.
If the patient is 7 years old or under you should take them to a minor injury service, which are open seven days a week every day of year, at one of the following sites:
Royal Hospital for Sick Children Emergency Department
9 Sciennes Road
Edinburgh
EH9 1LF
Google Map: Royal Hospital for Sick Children
24/7
Western General Hospital Minor Injuries Unit (for children 1 year old and over)
Crewe Road South
Edinburgh
EH4 2XU
Google Map: Western General Hospital
The Minor Injuries Unit at the Western General Hospital is best accessed via Porterfield Road.
Open: 08:00-21:00
last patient book-in at 20:30
St John’s Hospital Emergency Department
Howden Road West
Howden
Livingston
West Lothian
EH54 6PP
Google Map: St John’s Hospital
24/7
(Site updated 24/11/2020)