Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations
Autumn and winter vaccinations are arranged by NHS Lothian, and most eligible patients are invited automatically — there is usually no need to contact the practice.
How the programme works
In Scotland, seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are organised by the health board rather than by GP practices. NHS Lothian sends invitations directly to eligible patients, usually by letter or text message, from early autumn onwards. Your invitation tells you where and when to go, and how to change the appointment if it does not suit.
Invitations are sent automatically, so please do not call the practice to book. If you think you have been missed, or need to rearrange, use the contact details on your invitation or call the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013.
Who is eligible
Eligibility is set nationally and can change from year to year, but the autumn programme normally includes:
- Adults aged 65 and over
- Adults and children with certain long-term health conditions
- People who are pregnant
- Unpaid carers, and household contacts of people with weakened immune systems
- People living in care homes
- Frontline health and social care workers
- Children — most primary and secondary school children are offered the flu nasal spray at school, and younger children are invited to local clinics
The exact groups for each season, and which groups are offered COVID-19 as well as flu vaccine, are confirmed nationally each year. Check NHS inform vaccinations for the current list.
This year's clinics
Clinic locations and dates are confirmed by NHS Lothian each autumn. Once this year's programme is announced, we will share the details in the practice news section of our home page. Most Midlothian appointments take place at local community clinics rather than at the practice.
Housebound patients
If you are unable to leave home because of illness or disability, you can still be vaccinated at home. This is arranged through the health board — mention it when you respond to your invitation, or call the helpline on 0800 030 8013.
Other vaccinations
- Shingles, pneumococcal and RSV: offered to eligible age groups, usually alongside the autumn programme or by separate invitation. See NHS inform for who is eligible.
- Childhood immunisations: invitations for babies and pre-school children are sent automatically. Speak to your health visitor if you think a vaccination has been missed — see Health visitors.
- Travel vaccinations: provided by the NHS Lothian travel clinic, not the practice. See NHS services you can contact directly.
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