PLANS for this year's Autumn/Winter flu and COVID-19 vaccination programme have been unveiled by NHS Borders.

The vaccination programme will get under way next month for eligible adults.

The annual flu jag will be given as normal with a COVID booster for over 65s and those under 65 who have underlying health conditions.

The groups eligible for the flu jag only are:

  • Those aged 50 years and over
  • Those aged 18-64 with an eligible health condition
  • Frontline health and social care workers
  • Carers (including unpaid and young carers)
  • Teachers and support staff

Children eligible for the flu vaccine include:

  • Children aged six months to under two years (at risk)
  • Children aged 2-5 years old (not in school)
  • Primary and secondary school age pupils

Primary and secondary school aged children will, where possible, be given the flu vaccine at school.

The groups which are eligible for the COVID booster on top of the flu jag are:

  • Frontline health and social care workers
  • Residents and staff in care homes for older adults
  • Those aged 65 and over
  • Those aged 6 months to 64 years of age who are at higher clinical risk from Covid-19
  • Pregnant women
  • Carers aged 16-64
  • Household contacts of those with a weakened immune system aged 12-64
  • Children aged 5-15 years old who are at higher clinical risk of Covid-19, are young carers or household contacts of someone at risk

Over 75s, who normally would be invited for their vaccines in early September, will be invited slightly later – from mid-October – and patients should not be concerned.

According to the JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation) vaccinating the most at risk age groups later in the programme means they will be most protected over winter and into the new year.

The COVID-19 vaccinations give the most protection in the first three months from receiving a jag, with protection slowly fading over time.

Appointments will be available from September 4 and will be issued by letter, text or email.