Winter vaccinations available from Monday amid fears of new covid strain

People in West Lothian who are entitled to covid and flu jags will be able to get vaccinated from Monday amid fears over a new covid strain.Invitations to book or attend an appointment have already been sent to those eligible for a flu vaccine by post, in a white NHS Scotland envelope, by email or text, depending on communication preferences.As a precautionary measure, Public Health Scotland (PHS) and Scottish Government are now working closely with health boards to consider bringing winter vaccinations forward for those at highest risk of becoming seriously ill from flu and Covid-19.

This includes care home residents, those aged 75+ and those with weakened immune systems who were initially set to receive their vaccinations from mid-October.This change is being made following the identification of the newly identified Covid-19 variant of interest, BA.2.86 as detailed in PHS’s latest National Respiratory report.Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and we strongly encourage those eligible to take up the vaccination offer when it comes.

Viruses are always changing, and getting vaccinated every year is the best way to stay protected.To prevent the spread of flu and Covid-19, people continue to be advised to stay at home with any respiratory symptoms and to wash hands regularly.Dr Nick Phin, Director of Public Health Science at PHS said: “We are continuing to monitor the emergence and prevalence of COVID-19 variants in Scotland through our surveillance programme.

While we are not concerned about the current levels of COVID-19, the identification of BA.2.86 in Scotland means that we are now working with Health Boards to ensure those most vulnerable to illness are protected this winter.“Getting vaccinated is the