Vaccines: Covid-19 and Flu can spread more easily and cause serious illness.
By Lucy Ashton
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are urging those eligible to get their Covid -19 and Flu vaccinations ahead of the festive period.
Getting your vaccine can help reduce the spread over the winter months, help protect those most vulnerable and reduce pressure on our NHS.
As the colder weather approaches, Covid-19 and Flu can spread more easily and cause serious illness.
Dr Emilia Crighton, Director of Public Health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “This festive period will be the first with no COVID-19 restrictions in place for the past couple of years and we want to ensure everyone can have an enjoyable time with their friends and family.
“It can take up to 14 days to get maximum protection from the vaccine and we want to make sure the Christmas period is safe for everyone.
“The best way to have protection against the viruses is to get your vaccinations as soon as possible. Even if you have already had Covid-19, it is important to get your booster jag to ensure further protection for yourself and those around you.”
Our winter vaccination programme is underway and those eligible can get their vaccination in a number of ways.
If you are over the age of 50, a frontline health, social or care home worker, or have a weakened immune system, it is vital to ensure you are protected.
Emilia Crighton added: “Across Greater Glasgow and Clyde, there are a number of drop-in vaccination sites that are available at a convenient time for you. In addition to this, we would encourage those eligible to make an appointment through our NHS Inform website as this will help avoid potential queues at drop in centres.
“We also have our mobile vaccination unit that will be across the city over the coming weeks with more information on this available on our website.
“It is important at this time of year that we stay protected and ensure that we can all enjoy the Christmas period free from illness and spend time with our loved ones over the festivities.
“I would like to thank those who have already came forward and received their vaccinations and our teams who are helping roll out our winter programme.”
More information on our vaccine programme can be found on our website, NHS Inform and our social media channels.