The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has added six new winter flu vaccination sites to its programme in a bid to reduce case numbers after a record-breaking year last year.

There were over 14,000 confirmed cases in 2021/22 - the highest since 2018/19 - and health bosses hope the addition of new vaccination centres will help in the fight against the high annual numbers.

New clinic locations in the Whiteinch Community Centre and St Marks Church on Kinfauns Drive in Drumchapel are just two of the six including Glasgow City Mosque, Barmulloch Residents Centre, Eastbank Health Centre in Shettleston and Greater Easterhouse Supporting Hands.

The new clinics are in addition to 12 further sites available across Greater Glasgow and Clyde such as Barrhead Health & Social Care Centre, Merkland Primary School, Kirkintilloch, Renfrew Leisure Centre, Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley, Greenock Town Hall, Alexandria Community Centre and The Hub Community Centre, Clydebank.

Dr Emilia Crighton, director of public health at NHSGGC urged residents to ensure they have their vaccine ahead of winter.

She said: “Flu is serious and even healthy people can become very ill from it.

"The flu virus is always changing and getting vaccinated every year is the best way to stay protected for the whole winter season.

The rollout of this winter vaccination program provides eligible groups with the opportunity to get ahead of these viruses prior to the cold, winter months hitting hard.

"It is the best way for people to protect themselves and their loved ones,”

Invitations to book or attend an appointment have already been sent to those eligible for a flu vaccine by post, primarily those aged between 50-64 years old and those over 65 or between 16-64 years and have an underlying condition.

The flu vaccine can also be administered at participating pharmacies from Monday, September 18, 2023.

 

A full list of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde clinics and participating pharmacies can be found on the NHS Glasgow and Greater Clyde website at NHSGGC - Autumn Winter Vaccination Programme 2023/24.