NHS Orkney Vaccination Programme
LATEST UPDATES - July 2024
RSV Vaccination Programme
With Scotland’s Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme set to begin later this summer, NHS Orkney and Public Health Scotland (PHS) are encouraging older adults to look out for their invitation letters arriving next month (August).
RSV is a common and highly infectious respiratory virus that affects the breathing system. It generally causes mild illness with cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough, fever, or decrease in appetite. Most people recover after 2 to 3 weeks, but RSV can affect the lower airways in some people and cause severe illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis, leading to complications and hospitalisation.
Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), PHS has been working with the Scottish Government and NHS boards to develop plans for the roll out of Scotland’s RSV vaccination programme to protect newborns, infants and older adults.
- Appointments will start during August 2024. Those turning 75 years old on and between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025 will be the first to receive invitations. The vaccine will also be offered to anyone who is aged 75 to 79 years old on 1 August 2024 as part of ‘catch up’ programme, as the RSV vaccine is new to Scotland and this group could not be given the vaccine before now.
- Also starting from August, pregnant women will be offered the vaccine during discussions with their midwife from 28 weeks into their pregnancy. The timing of the vaccine offer will help protect their newborn babies from serious illness caused by an RSV infection.
For more information about the RSV Vaccination Programme visit: RSV vaccine for adults | NHS inform
Local arrangements
Pregnant women will be offered RSV immunisation from 28 weeks of their pregnancy, for those in Orkney their vaccine will be provided by the midwives and the Maternity Team will be in touch to arrange a time. The maternity team can be contacted on 01856 888238.
Individuals in Orkney that will be aged 75-79 years on 1 August 2024 will receive an appointment letter to be vaccinated by the NHS Orkney Vaccination Team. Stromness Surgery and ferry linked isles surgeries will provide this service to their patients. The Vaccination Team can be contacted on 0300 303 5313.
You can find out more on the link here.
Please note the local Vaccination Service has moved within The Balfour. Please make sure you check in for your appointment at Central Reception and they will direct you where to go.
Covid-19 Spring Vaccine
NHS Scotland recommends you have the spring vaccine this year if you:
- are aged 75 years and over on 30 June 2024 (i.e. born on or before 30 June 1949)
- live in a care home for older adults
- are aged 6 months or over (by or on 31 March 2024) and have a weakened immune system
NHS Scotland will contact you with information about your appointment or with information on how to book.
Please wait to be contacted.
Please note the local Vaccination Service has moved within The Balfour. Please make sure you check in for your appointment at Central Reception and they will direct you where to go.
If you’re aged 75 or over, look out for your COVID-19 vaccine invitation arriving by post, email or text. We strongly recommend that you take up this offer and don’t let your protection fade this spring.
A spring dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to prevent people with a weakened immune system from getting seriously ill from the virus. Those who are eligible will receive an invitation by post, email or text.
Find out more information about the Spring Vaccination at Spring coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine | NHS inform
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
- NHS Scotland will contact you by letter. Please wait to be contacted.
- If your appointment time, date or venue does not suit or you can no longer attend, please rearrange via the online booking portal at https://www.nhsinform.scot/springvaccine or if you don’t have online access call the National Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013. Please note that there may not be availability earlier than your original appointment and you may need to reschedule to a later date instead.
- To schedule/reschedule a spring vaccine appointment for a child 6 months to 11 years, please call the NHS Orkney Vaccination Team on 0300 303 5313.
- You can check eligibility and find trusted, accurate and reliable information that you need to make an informed choice for you or your child on NHS inform: nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/
- If you have not yet come forward for any COVID-19 vaccines or received a COVID-19 vaccination invitation letter, and you are 12 or over, you can register online for an appointment: Login - Customer Service (nhs.scot) . You need to be registered with a GP practice to use this service. If you aren't, you can phone the National vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013.
Baby Immunisations
The Kirkwall Vaccination Team will deliver this service, and it will primarily be delivered within The Balfour for all Heilendi and Skerryvore patients. A visiting service will be provided by the NHS Orkney Vaccination Team to both Daisy Villa Medical Practice and Dounby Surgery. Patients will be invited by letter.
If you have missed your appointment or have any other queries please call the Vaccination Team on 0300 303 5313.
Please note Stromness Surgery and ferry linked isles surgeries will provide this service to their patients
School Immunisations
The NHS Orkney Vaccination Team will deliver this service, and it will be delivered within the schools.
If you have missed your appointment or have any other queries please call the Vaccination Team on 0300 303 5313.
Please note ferry linked isles provide this service to their patients
Pneumococcal
If you have missed your appointment or have any other queries please call the Vaccination Team on 0300 303 5313.
Please note Stromness Surgery and ferry linked isles surgeries will provide this service to their patients
Shingles
Anyone in Orkney who is currently eligible for shingles vaccination has been invited. Letters to newly at risk patients are also sent throughout the year.
The NHS Orkney Vaccination Team delivers this service for the majority of Orkney residents and it is delivered within the Vaccination Service at The Balfour.
If you have missed your appointment or have any other queries please call the Vaccination Team on 0300 303 5313.
Please note Stromness Surgery and ferry linked isles surgeries provide this service to their patients.
You can also find out more via the link here.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Pregnant women will be offered RSV immunisation from 28 weeks of their pregnancy. Individuals in Orkney that will be aged 75-79 years on 1 August 2025 will receive an appointment letter to be vaccinated by the NHS Orkney Vaccination Team.
The Vaccination Team can be contacted on 0300 303 5313.
Please note that Stromness Surgery and ferry linked isles surgeries will provide this service to their patients.
You can also find out more via the link here.
Travel Vaccinations
Please access the link below to find out more about Travel Vaccinations.
Visit the Travel Vaccinations Page