

Frequently Asked Questions
This document is also available in large print and other formats and languages, upon request. Please call NHS Grampian Corporate Communications on (01224) 551116 or (01224) 552245.
Who should be vaccinated?
Visit our eligible groups section to find out who should be vaccinated.
When am I at most risk of catching influenza?
Does the vaccine protect against all strains of influenza?
When will it start to be effective and how long will it work for?
When should I get vaccinated?
I caught flu after I had flu vaccine so I’m not getting it again?
What are the side effects of getting the flu vaccine?
I have an egg allergy, should I still be vaccinated?
I’ve heard the flu vaccine is not particularly safe.
I think I might be pregnant so I don’t think I should be vaccinated.
I am breastfeeding, can I still be vaccinated?
I am on antibiotics can I still be vaccinated?
I have a latex allergy, can I still be vaccinated?
About this year’s flu vaccination programme
How long does the flu vaccination programme run for?
The flu vaccination programme runs from early October through to March next year.
Due to the increase in demand and increase in number of groups eligible for the free flu vaccination, appointments are being allocated in a phased approach over the coming months.
When might I expect my letter inviting me to make my flu vaccination appointment?
Letters are being sent out in batches daily to priority eligible groups until December starting from mid-September.
What does NHS Scotland define as an eligible health condition?
Please visit NHS Inform for the latest guidance.
Why is my GP not delivering my vaccination this year, I never had a problem getting an appointment in the past!
In 2017, the Scottish Government and the Scottish General Practitioners Committee (SGPC) agreed vaccinations would move away from a model based on GP delivery to one based on NHS Board delivery through dedicated teams.
Making your flu appointment
About your flu jab appointment
I have not received my letter, but I always get my flu vaccination?
You should receive an appointment letter in the next few weeks. Appointment letters are being issued daily in batches to eligible groups. The letter will tell you the date, time and location of your appointment. There will be information in the letter to help you rearrange your appointment if it is not suitable.
My friend has been allocated an appointment before me?
Appointments are allocated based on several factors including clinical need, geographical location, and daily capacity.
What should I do when I receive the letter and can't attend my appointment or my appointment is letter is late?
I have not received my letter, but I always get my flu vaccination?
The flu helpline number keeps ringing out, what should I do?
Please only contact us if you have received an appointment letter and, if you can, please email us. If you do not have access to email and cannot get through on the phone line, please be patient with us and try again later at a less busy time; there are enough appointments and vaccine to go round.
Will the main NHS Grampian switchboard be able to direct my call to the booking number or make my flu vaccination appointment?
Should I contact my local GP practice for my appointment, like last year?
Should I make an appointment to get my primary school age child vaccinated?
No, as in previous years, local health teams will visit primary schools to offer the vaccination to all primary school aged children.
Planning for your vaccination
Having your flu vaccination
I’ve got an appointment but it’s weeks away. Don’t I need this jab now?
Where will my appointment be?
Can I just turn up at a flu vaccination clinic to get my flu jab?
I have mobility issues; will I be able to access the clinic?
Will it be safe to go to a flu vaccination clinic?
Should I wear a face covering?
How should I travel to my appointment – under increased restrictions?
Should I car share to get to my appointment?
The Scottish Government are advising against car sharing with people outside your own household – unless there is no alternative. If there is no alternative to car sharing with members of another household then everyone in the car should follow the advice from Transport Scotland:
- keep your distance and take care entering and exiting the vehicle
- sit as far apart as possible in the vehicle, avoiding face-to-face
- maintain good ventilation by keeping the car windows open
- wear a face-covering, unless you are exempt
- clean your hands before and after your journey
- clean the door handles and other areas that people touch.
If I am not feeling well or have any of the COVID-19 symptoms what should I do?
If you have a temperature, persistent cough or loss of taste and smell before your vaccination, please contact us to reschedule your appointment.
When should I arrive for my appointment?
Please arrive on time for your appointment and not too early. Due to physical distancing requirements we are limited to how many people are allowed into buildings, so if you arrive too earlier for your appointment you may be asked to queue outside.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Please dress for the weather as you may be required to wait outside for a short period before you can enter the venue. If you can, wear loose-sleeved or short sleeved clothing under your outer wear that will help the vaccinators administer the vaccine more efficiently.
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
Wherever possible, please attend on your own, unless you require assistance.
Where will my vaccination appointment be?
NHS Grampian has taken steps to make our vaccination clinics and hubs as accessible as possible, with over 65’s offered an appointment at their nearest flu vaccination clinic.
Is there car parking available at clinic locations?
The vaccination clinics are being held at a range of community venues across Grampian. Car parking will be available near or at the location. Please check in advance when your appointment is allocated for local parking capacity and arrangements.
CONTACT
Please contact the NHS Grampian flu helpline by:
Phone - 0345 337 9899
Email - gram.flu-info@nhs.scot
Contact Centre opening hours are:
9.00-5.00 Monday to Friday
Watch our Videos
You can find out more by watching ...
Our flu information videos.
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