Flu and COVID Vaccination
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be offered to those eligible between September and December. It’s strongly recommended you get vaccinated if you’re offered this winter. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive a letter, SMS or email with appointment details or information about how to book one. You may receive information about your appointment at a different time than previous years.
For more information about the flu vaccine and who is eligible visit at NHS Inform.
Overview
In the coming weeks, we expect to offer a Flu and COVID vaccination (where eligible) to over 700,000 people across Greater Glasgow and Clyde, ranging from school aged children (flu only) to people living in care homes for the elderly. COVID Boosters will be offered to eligible populations at the same time as Flu where possible.
The way you get your Flu and COVID vaccination will have changed over recent years. No Flu or Covid Vaccinations are delivered in General Practice. Vaccinations are given in a range of different settings:
Drop In Clinics
Drop in Vaccination Clinics
Winter vaccines Drop-in clinics
We’re encouraging those eligible to take up the offer of their flu and/or COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. Both viruses can be serious and evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccine protection fades and the flu virus changes over time. Don’t let your protection fade. Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to protect yourself against serious illness.
If you’re eligible for vaccination and haven’t yet received one, or both, please come along to one of the drop-in clinics below to ensure you’re protected ahead of the festive season:
To be confirmed
Mobile Vaccination Service
The Scottish Ambulance Mobile Vaccination vehicle is a drop in service. This means that there may be busy times and you may have to wait. The mobile clinic can only accommodate 4 vaccinators and a limited supply of vaccine. Please be patient. You may wish to book an appointment at one of our Vaccination Centres instead.
You can do this by going to the online booking portal or calling the National Contact Centre on 0800 030 8013.
The mobile vaccination service will offer the following vaccinations:
Monday 16th December – Morrisons, 20 Auchinlea Road, Glasgow, G34 9JJ – 09:00am – 16:00pm
Tuesday 17th December – Forge Retail Park, 1 Biggar Street, Glasgow, G31 4BH – 09:00am – 16:00pm
Wednesday 18th December – Tesco Shettleston, Annick Street, Shettleston, G32 7JE – 09:00am – 16:00pm
Thursday 19th December – Chapel Street Car Park, Chapel Street, Lennoxtown, G66 7DE – 09:00am – 16:00pm
Friday 20th December – Tesco Springburn, Cobden Road, St Rollox Business & Retail Park, G21 1AL – 09:00am – 16:00pm
Children and Young People
The vaccine will be offered to all school-aged pupils, all children aged 2-5 not yet in school and children aged 6 months to 2 years old with a condition that puts them at increased risk of flu. Home-educated young people and young people not attending mainstream education are also eligible.
The flu vaccine is offered as a painless nasal spray to almost all children. It cannot give the child flu but starts to provide protection against flu within 10-14 days. The nasal spray offers the best possible protection for children and young people and can also stop flu spreading to family, friends and others, especially those most at risk of becoming seriously ill with flu. Children aged 2 to 5 are being offered vaccination from the start of the programme to ensure they receive the earliest protection and prevent the virus spreading.
Those eligible for the childhood and school flu vaccination programme include:
- children aged 6 months to 2 years at higher risk of flu
- children aged 2 to 5 years (on 1 September 2024 and not yet at school)
- all primary school children in Scotland (primary 1 to primary 7)
- all secondary school pupils (S1 to S6)
Children under 16 with certain conditions are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine this winter.
Older People
Flu vaccinations will be offered to those who are eligible until 31st March 2025
If you are aged 65 years or over you will receive an invite and appointment for your Flu and Covid Booster Vaccination. Please do not contact your GP as GP’s are no longer involved in vaccination. Should you need to change your appointment/location please follow the details in the letter on how to do that.
The flu vaccine is offered to adults who are most at risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
Older adults and people with certain health conditions are more at risk of flu-related complications and need extra protection, even if their health condition is mild or well managed.
Possible side effects of the flu vaccines
Like all medicines, the flu vaccine can cause side effects. This is normal but not everyone gets them. It shows the vaccine is teaching your body’s immune system how to protect itself from the disease.
These potential side effects are much less serious than flu or complications associated with flu.
Side effects are usually mild and may include:
- tenderness, swelling and/or redness at the site of the injection
- headache
- muscle aches
- fever (temperature 38°C or above)
You may also feel generally unwell. These possible side effects usually go away within a few days.
You can rest and take the normal dose of paracetamol (follow the advice in the packaging) to help make yourself feel better.
Are there any reasons you should not get the vaccine?
Most adults can have the flu vaccine. But you should seek advice from your health professional if you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to a flu vaccine in the past or to any of the vaccine ingredients.
You may be at risk of an allergic reaction to the flu vaccine if you have an egg allergy. This is because some flu vaccines are made using eggs. It’s important that you tell the person giving you your vaccine if you have an egg allergy or if you’ve ever had a serious allergic reaction to a flu vaccine.
When will I be invited?
Please wait to be contacted about your vaccination – do not try to make an appointment until you’ve been invited by NHS Scotland.
You may receive your invitation at a different time than previous years. You should attend the appointment you’ve been given, or rearrange your appointment by calling 0800 030 8013 during the hours of Monday to Friday 9.00am to 6.00pm or Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm
The postal invites will arrive in white envelopes with clear NHS Scotland branding. People with a digital preference will receive their vaccine appointment or prompt by text or email. Please remember to check you junk mail and ensure you contact details are up to date by visiting Citizen Update Details – Customer Service (nhs.scot)
Flu only vaccination administration for adults
Flu vaccinations will be offered to those who are eligible until 31st March 2025
Influenza (flu) is an infectious virus and can be serious. Symptoms may include a fever, a cough, a headache and tiredness. The virus spreads through the air when people cough or sneeze, or when they touch surfaces where the virus has landed then touch their eyes, nose or mouth. You can catch flu all year round, but it’s especially common in winter.
Who will be offered the flu vaccine
The flu vaccine is offered to adults who are most at risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
Older adults and people with certain health conditions are more at risk of flu-related complications and need extra protection, even if their health condition is mild or well managed.
You’ll be offered the flu vaccine this year if you’re:
- aged 65 and over
- aged 18 to 64 with an eligible health condition
- pregnant
- living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility
- living with someone who has a weakened immune system
- an unpaid or young carer
- a frontline health or social care worker
- a non-frontline NHS 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
To find out if you are eligible for flu vaccination, please visit the Flu vaccine | NHS inform
Our aim is to ensure those in the at risk cohorts defined by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) Guidance have had an invite and the opportunity to receive both their Flu and COVID Vaccinations prior to Christmas 2024.
Vaccination is required every year because flu viruses are constantly changing and immunity may wane. The vaccines offered this year will give you the best possible protection against the viruses likely to be circulating this winter.
JCVI flu advice – JCVI Statement on Influenza Vaccines 2024-25
Why should I get the flu vaccine?
Flu can be serious for some people. This year’s vaccine gives you the best possible protection against the flu viruses likely to be circulating this season.
The vaccine helps protect you from getting the flu. If you do get flu and have been vaccinated, the symptoms are likely to be milder and not last as long. This will reduce your risk of needing to go to hospital with serious flu illness.
It also helps to reduce the spread of flu and may protect those around you from getting ill.
The flu vaccine has been used in Scotland’s flu vaccination programme since 2000, with millions of doses given.
How does the flu vaccine work?
Flu vaccines help protect against the main types of flu viruses.
You have to get vaccinated every year because flu viruses are constantly changing. A different vaccine is made every year to ensure the best protection against the latest types of flu.
It works by teaching your body’s immune system how to protect itself from flu. Once you get the vaccine, it takes around 10 days for the vaccine to work. The flu vaccine itself cannot give you flu.
When will I be invited?
Please wait to be contacted about your vaccination – do not try to make an appointment until you’ve been invited by NHS Scotland.
You may receive your invitation at a different time than previous years. You should attend the appointment you’ve been given, or rearrange your appointment by calling 0800 030 8013 during the hours of Monday to Friday 9.00am to 6.00pm or Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm
The postal invites will arrive in white envelopes with clear NHS Scotland branding. People with a digital preference will receive their vaccine appointment or prompt by text or email. Please remember to check you junk mail and ensure you contact details are up to date by visiting Citizen Update Details – Customer Service (nhs.scot)
How do I reschedule my appointment?
Please reschedule via Booking Portal Login – Customer Service (nhs.scot) or call 0800 030 8013 during the hours of Monday to Friday 9.00am to 6.00pm or Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm
Flu and COVID-19 vaccination for adults
COVID-19 vaccinations will be offered to those who are eligible until 31st January 2025.
Flu vaccinations will be offered to those who are eligible until 31st March 2025.
Flu and coronavirus vaccines will be offered to those eligible from mid-September onwards. It’s strongly recommended you get vaccinated if you’re eligible this winter. Invitations for people who are eligible will start being sent from late August. You may receive your invitation at a different time than previous years. You should attend the appointment you’ve been given, or make or rearrange your appointment as soon as possible.
The postal invites will arrive in white envelopes with clear NHS Scotland branding. People with a digital preference will receive their vaccine appointment or prompt by text and/or email.
Please do not try to make an appointment until you’ve been invited by NHS Scotland.
As per the 2024 Adult & Child Flu CMO letter, people in the following groups will be offered
flu vaccination only:
- All prisoners within the Scottish prison estate
- Those aged 18-64 years with an eligible flu-only clinical risk condition
- Unpaid carers, including young carers under the age of 16 years
- Household contacts of those with immunosuppression
- School age pupils (primary and secondary)
- Children aged 2-5 (not at school)
- Children aged 6 months to 2 years at-risk
- Poultry workers & bird handlers
- Non-frontline NHS workers
- Asylum seekers living in Home Office hotel or B&B accommodation
- Those experiencing homelessness
- Those experiencing substance misuse
Our aim is to ensure those in the at risk cohorts defined by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) Guidance have had an invite and the opportunity to receive both their Flu and COVID Vaccinations prior to Christmas 2024. COVID 19 is still around so make sure you protect yourself against Flu and COVID this winter and when invited attend to receive your vaccination.
Eligibility information on flu vaccination offer to poultry workers and bird handlers
Background
Due to the high levels of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 activity in both wild and domestic birds in the UK in summer 2023, the JCVI advised that seasonal influenza vaccination should be considered for those at higher risk of infection with avian influenza related to their work or similar exposures. People at highest risk are likely to be those undertaking culling or cleaning at confirmed avian influenza outbreak premises, or handling live unwell birds. Workers employed at, or regularly visiting, statutorily-registered poultry units and poultry processing units, may also be at risk if they have direct exposure to bird faeces / litter such as through initial egg sorting or cleaning of premises. People involved in collection of wild bird carcasses where avian influenza is suspected should also be considered for vaccination. Further information can be found at Influenza: the green book, chapter 19 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
To find out if you are eligible for flu vaccination, please visit the Flu vaccine | NHS inform
To find out if you are eligible for COVID Vaccination please visit NHS Inform.
When will I be invited?
Please wait to be contacted about your vaccination – do not try to make an appointment until you’ve been invited by NHS Scotland.
You may receive your invitation at a different time than previous years. You should attend the appointment you’ve been given, or rearrange your appointment by calling 0800 030 8013 during the hours of Monday to Friday 9.00am to 6.00pm or Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm
The postal invites will arrive in white envelopes with clear NHS Scotland branding. People with a digital preference will receive their vaccine appointment or prompt by text or email. Please remember to check you junk mail and ensure you contact details are up to date by visiting Citizen Update Details – Customer Service (nhs.scot)
How do I reschedule my appointment?
Please reschedule via Booking Portal or call 0800 030 8013 during the hours of Monday to Friday 9.00am to 6.00pm or Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm
NHSGGC Staff Only
Staff Vaccination 2024/25
- Health social care and social work staff who work directly with patients and provide support services are eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines this year.
- Non-frontline NHS staff are also eligible for the flu vaccine. It is recommended staff take up the offer of vaccination this year to protect themselves and those in their care.
- Vaccination of staff groups will protect health services from staff absences during the winter months.
To find out if you are eligible for flu vaccination, please visit the Flu vaccine | NHS inform
To find out if you are eligible for COVID Vaccination please visit NHS Inform.
Staff flu vaccinations
There are still opportunities to receive your flu vaccination. We have Staff Vaccination Clinics running the week of 16th December at the following acute sites:
Monday 16th December
Inverclyde Royal Hospital – Staff Hub Level B (ajdacent to dining room) – 8.30am to 8.00pm
Tuesday 17th December
Glasgow Royal Infirmary – Clinical Skills Room 1 – 8.30am to 8.00pm
Gartnavel General Hospital – Seminar Room – 8.30am to 8.00pm
Wednesday 18th December
Leverndale Hospital – Beresford Suite – 8.30am to 4.00pm
Vale of Leven Hospital – Meeting Room 2 and IT Room – 8.30am to 8.00pm
Thursday 19th December
Stobhill Hospital – Seminar Room 5 – 8.30am to 8.00pm
Royal Alexandra Hospital – Lecture Theatre – 8.30am to 8.00pm
Friday 20th December
New Victoria ACH – Coffee Lounge Area Level 2 – 8.30am to 8.00pm
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital – Neuroscience Atrium – 8.30am to 8.00pm
For anyone that is hospital based, there are over 40 peer vaccinators working across our hospital sites continuing to offer staff vaccines within their ward settings.
Community flu vaccination clinics are also available. These can be booked by visiting Login – Customer Service (nhs.scot) or calling 0800 030 8013 during the hours of Monday to Friday 9.00am to 6.00pm or Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm.
Please note, you may see a prompt that advises you to wait until you receive your appointment letter prior to booking on this website. This is directed at those staff members who are 65 or over, immunocompromised, or ‘at-risk’ as they will have received an automatic appointment via letter or digitally.
How do I reschedule my appointment?
Please reschedule via Booking Portal Login – Customer Service (nhs.scot) or call 0800 030 8013 during the hours of Monday to Friday 9.00am to 6.00pm or Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm
What do I do if I have had recently tested positive for COVID?
There is no need to wait to be vaccinated if you have recently had Covid unless you have a fever or are unwell. You can rearrange your appointment if you feel unwell.
To find out if you are eligible for flu vaccination, please visit the Flu vaccine | NHS inform
To find out if you are eligible for COVID Vaccination please visit NHS Inform.
Information can be found in English about the Autumn/Winter Programme. This is available in a number of formats including easy read, large print, audio, winter vaccinations during pregnancy.
How do I reschedule my appointment?
Please reschedule via Booking Portal or call 0800 030 8013 during the hours of Monday to Friday 9.00am to 6.00pm or Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm
Your Appointment
About your Autumn/Winter Vaccination Appointment
- Where eligible Flu and COVID Vaccination will be given at the same appointment..
- Appointments will be available right the way through to December, ensuring all those eligible are protected before flu and COVID-19 viruses are most likely to be circulating.
- Most adults who are eligible for one or both vaccines will have already been contacted by NHS Scotland. Depending on communication preferences, this will have been by letter, email or text. Please attend the appointment you’ve been given, or make or rearrange your appointment as soon as possible.
- More information is available on Winter vaccines | NHS inform including a self-help guide that helps citizens to find out about the vaccines you may be eligible for, and how you’ll be offered them.
Attending your appointment
Attending your appointment
There is no requirement to wear a mask when attending our vaccination clinics. If you have a weakened immune system and prefer to wear a mask you can choose to do this.
How do I reschedule my appointment?
Please reschedule via Booking Portal or call 0800 030 8013 during the hours of Monday to Friday 9.00am to 6.00pm or Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm
I am eligible for both a flu and COVID-19 vaccine this winter and have received either of these separately at an earlier appointment, my upcoming appointment (to receive the other vaccine) is showing as being cancelled?
If you’re eligible for both a flu and COVID-19 vaccine this winter and have received either of these separately at an earlier appointment, your upcoming appointment (to receive the other vaccine) may unfortunately show as being cancelled on the booking portal.
This is because the system has recognised you as being fully vaccinated this winter after your first appointment. We are working to resolve this issue, but in the meantime, if you are still able to, please attend the original appointment date and time you were given, or alternatively you can call the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013 to rearrange.
How do I reschedule my appointment?
You can rearrange your appointment if the time or day you’ve been given doesn’t suit you.
There may be evening and weekend vaccination clinics available too. If it’s more convenient, you can book or reschedule your appointment to a vaccination clinic closer to where you work or somewhere you visit regularly. This can be anywhere in Scotland.
If you are unable to attend or cannot get to this location, you can change your appointment online at:
Or you can call the helpline number to rearrange your appointment Monday to Friday 9.00am to 6.00pm on 0800 030 8013 or Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm
Please note this number is for rescheduling appointments only.
Can I choose what vaccine I receive?
The Vaccines we give are those recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). You are unable to choose the vaccine you receive.
What can I expect after my vaccine?
Autumn/Winter Vaccinations for NHSGGC Staff
Health social care and social work staff who work directly with patients and provide support services are eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines this year.
Non-frontline NHS staff are also eligible for the flu vaccine.
It is recommended staff take up the offer of vaccination this year to protect themselves and those in their care.
Vaccination of staff groups will protect health services from staff absences during the winter months.
To book an appointment please visit the Booking Portal or call 0800 030 8013. Our clinics operate 8-8 and in some locations 7 days per week.
If you work in a patient facing environment then we will set up dedicated clinics for staff to attend for Flu and Covid Booster and we have dedicated staff clinics during the first two weeks of October 2023. You can book an appointment at any clinic that is most convenient either close to your workplace or close to your home.
To book an appointment please visit the Booking Portal or call 0800 030 8013. Our clinics operate 8-8 and in some locations 7 days per week.
Where will I be required to attend for my appointment?
East Dunbartonshire
| Clinic | Facilities | Location/Transport |
| Milngavie Town Hall: 71 Station Rd, Milngavie, Glasgow G62 8BZ | Parking Wheelchair Access Hearing Loop Toilet Facilities Baby Changing Interpreter Services | Milngavie Town Hall – Google Maps Bus – First Bus Train – ScotRail |
| Kirkintiloch Town Hall, Kirkintilloch, G66 1HN | Parking Wheelchair Access Hearing Loop Toilet Facilities Baby Changing Interpreter Services | Kirkintilloch Town Hall Bus – First Bus Train – ScotRail |
Renfrewshire
| Clinic | Facilities | Location/Transport |
| Renfrew Parish Church Hall, 14 Renfield Street, Renfrew PA4 8RG | Parking Wheelchair Access Hearing Loop Toilet Facilities Interpreter Services | Renfrew Parish Church Hall Bus – First Bus Train – ScotRail |
| Johnstone Town Hall: 25 Church St, Johnstone, PA5 8EG | Parking Wheelchair Access Hearing Loop Toilet Facilities Baby Changing Interpreter Services | Johnstone Town Hall – Google Maps Bus – First Bus Train – ScotRail |
| Piazza Shopping Centre Unit-28/29, Central Way, Paisley PA1 1ELB | Parking Wheelchair Access Hearing Loop Toilet Facilities Baby Changing Interpreter Services | Piazza Shopping Centre Bus – First Bus Train – ScotRail |
East Renfrewshire
| Clinic | Facilities | Location/Transport |
| Eastwood Health Centre, Drumby Cres, Clarkston, Glasgow G76 7HN | Parking Wheelchair Access Hearing Loop Toilet Facilities Baby Changing Interpreter Services | Eastwood Health Centre Bus – First Bus Train – ScotRail |
| Barrhead Health & Social Care Centre, 213 Main St, Barrhead, Glasgow G78 1SA | Parking Wheelchair Access Hearing Loop Toilet Facilities Baby Changing Interpreter Services | Barrhead Health & Care Centre – Google Maps Bus – First Bus Train – ScotRail |
Glasgow City
| Clinic | Facilities | Location/Transport |
| Stobhill Hospital Seminar Room 6, 133 Balornock Road, Glasgow G21 3UW | Parking Wheelchair Access Hearing Loop Toilet Facilities Baby Changing Interpreter Services | Stobhill Hospital Bus – First Bus Train – ScotRail |
| Institute of Neurological Sciences, Queen Elizabeth 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF | Hearing Loop Toilet Facilities Baby Changing Interpreter Services | Institute of Neurological Sciences Bus – First Bus Train – ScotRail |
| New Victoria Hospital, Ground Floor, 55 Grange Road, Glasgow G42 9LL | Parking Wheelchair Access Hearing Loop Toilet Facilities Baby Changing Interpreter Services | New Victoria Hospital Bus – First Bus Train – ScotRail |
| Priesthill Community Hall, 100 Priesthill Road, Glasgow G53 6QL | Parking Wheelchair Access Hearing Loop Toilet Facilities Baby Changing Interpreter Services | Priesthill Community Hall Bus – First Bus Train – ScotRail |
| St Marks Church, 281 Kinfauns Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow G15 7BD | Hearing Loop Toilet Facilities Baby Changing Interpreter Services | St Mark’s Church – Google Maps Bus – First Bus Train – ScotRail |
| Greater Easterhouse Supporting Hands, 1 Redcastle Sq, Glasgow G33 5EG | Parking Wheelchair Access Hearing Loop Toilet Facilities Baby Changing Interpreter Services | Greater Easterhouse Supporting Hands – Google Maps Bus – First Bus Train – ScotRail |
| Whiteinch Centre, 1 Northinch St, Glasgow G14 0UG | Parking Wheelchair Access Hearing Loop Toilet Facilities Baby Changing Interpreter Services | Whiteinch Centre Bus – First Bus Train – ScotRail |
| Unit 11 The Braes Shopping Centre, 17 Dougrie Dr, Glasgow G45 9AA | Parking Wheelchair Access Hearing Loop Toilet Facilities Baby Changing Interpreter Services | Unit 11 The Braes Shopping Centre Bus – First Bus Train – ScotRail |
West Dunbartonshire
| Clinic | Facilities | Location/Transport |
| Alexandria Community Centre: Main St, Alexandria, G83 0NU | Parking Wheelchair Access Hearing Loop Toilet Facilities Baby Changing Interpreter Services | Alexandria Community Centre – Google Maps Bus – First Bus Train – ScotRail |
| Concorde Community Centre, St Mary’s Way, Dumbarton G82 1LJ | Parking Wheelchair Access Hearing Loop Toilet Facilities Baby Changing Interpreter Services | Concorde Community Centre – Google Maps Bus – First Bus Train – ScotRail |
| Clydebank Health And Care Centre, Queens Quay Main Avenue, Clydebank G81 1BS | Parking Wheelchair Access Hearing Loop Toilet Facilities Baby Changing Interpreter Services | Clydebank Health And Care Centre Bus – First Bus Train – ScotRail |
Inverclyde
| Clinic | Facilities | Location/Transport |
| Port Glasgow Health Centre, 2-4 Bay St, Port Glasgow PA14 5EW | Parking Wheelchair Access Hearing Loop Toilet Facilities Baby Changing Interpreter Services | Port Glasgow Health Centre Bus – First Bus Train – ScotRail |
| Broomhill Gardens and Community Hub, 46 Mearns St, Greenock PA15 4QD | Parking Wheelchair Access Hearing Loop Toilet Facilities Baby Changing Interpreter Services | Broomhill Gardens and Community Hub Bus – First Bus Train – ScotRail |
Community Pharmacy – Flu Only
If you are aged over 65 years or aged 18-64 years and have an underlying condition and normally receive flu vaccination it can be administered at participating pharmacies which can be found: Further details to follow.
If you are an NHS member of staff, work in a Care Home or provide care at home then you can also attend a local community pharmacy for your flu vaccination.
Adults aged 16-18yrs who remain in secondary education will not be vaccinated in community pharmacy. This cohort will be picked up by the School Health Service
This is the link to the list of community pharmacies participating in this year’s programme –