Flu Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions - Published 29 September
Where do I go for my vaccination? Your vaccination venue will differ depending on the GP practice you are registered with – full details of vaccination locations can be found here:https://www.ohb.scot.nhs.uk/news/flu-vaccine-clinics-2020
What are dates and times for vaccination clinics? The dates for the clinics can be found by clicking on this linkhttps://www.ohb.scot.nhs.uk/news/flu-vaccine-clinics-2020 The clinics will run from 9am-3pm
How do I book an appointment? For the majority of practices, appointments can be booked via the dedicated practice vaccination line – full details can be found here:https://www.ohb.scot.nhs.uk/news/flu-vaccine-clinics-2020
Where can I park? All the venues will have dedicated parking spaces and there will be marshals on site ensuring things run smoothly as regards access and exit from venues.
Why is the vaccination clinic not in my GP practice? Due to Covid regulations we need to ensure that patients and our vaccine staff are safe and that we adhere to social distancing. We also need to ensure that we don’t bring lots of patients into our health centres. As such Scottish Government have asked Boards to help GP Practices to ensure we work together this year delivering this vaccine programme. We will require extra days and staff to deliver this within a socially distanced way and it is for this reason we are going out to different settings.
I can’t get through on the phone? There will be a significant demand on the phone lines. Please don’t worry and keep trying. We have a lot of patients to vaccinate but have accounted for this and have lots of appointment availability so you will be vaccinated.
If I don’t make an appointment will I just be able to get an appointment at my own GP Practice once the clinics have finished? No, we are unable to offer it this way this year. There will be catch up clinics for any patients who still have not been vaccinated after these clinics have been completed. These clinics will be held in Kirkwall.
Who is eligible? For the vaccination programme that has just been advertised eligible patients are those 65 years and over and those who fall into the at risk group. Further information can be found by clicking here https://www.nhsinform.scot/flu#
For children aged 5 and under your GP Practice will contact you directly to make arrangements for these vaccines. This vaccine is not yet available but we anticipate these will be arriving around mid October.
For children of school age who are eligible arrangements have been made to have the vaccine delivered within the school setting.
I have heard that all people over age 55 can get a vaccine this year? Currently only those aged 65 years and over, and those in the “at risk” categories, are eligible for flu vaccination. It is expected that a further programme of vaccination delivery to those aged 55 – 64 years will take place later in the year, and further information about this cohort will be shared in due course.
When I arrive do I queue or stay in my car? Please stay in your car until your appointment time and then come to the entrance and a marshal will ensure you know where to go.
Do I have to wear a face covering? Yes please come wearing a face covering. If you do forget we will supply you with one on the day.
I have a disability that means I may need help (e.g. mobility / hearing), how do I make this known? Please tell us when you phone for your appointment and we will ensure we know to look out for you on the day and ensure you receive additional assistance.
Will there be wheelchairs available? Yes we will have wheelchairs available at all venues.
What happens if I’m late to my appointment? We ask that people are not late for their appointment as we have taken time to ensure we have patients socially distanced. We would try to still accommodate you on the day but cannot guarantee that we would not have to ask you to make an alternative appointment.
What should I wear to my appointment? Please wear short sleeved clothing on the day under your coats as this will allow us to give your vaccine easily and without need to remove outer clothing.
Are toilet facilities available? We do have toilet facilities but given the vaccination process should take no longer than five minutes we do ask that patients refrain from using these unless they really need to.
Can I bring an escort? You may bring an escort if you require one. It would be helpful if you could tell us when you phone for your appointment that you will be taking someone with you. We will also need to record their name on the day of the clinic for track and trace purposes.
I am still anxious and have a question that has not been answered. That is ok we are here to help. Please email us at Ork-hb.primarycare@nhs.net