ELIGIBLE patients are being welcomed back to community clinics across Ayrshire to receive their winter vaccinations.

Covid-19 and seasonal flu vaccines are being offered to those most at risk, with the aim of preventing severe illness and hospitalisations.

Viruses like flu and Covid-19 are constantly changing, so having winter vaccinations each year offers the best protection against the viruses circulating in the coming months.

Community clinics are currently hosting appointments for those being invited for flu only.

Vaccinations for those who are housebound begin this week, before health teams start visiting care homes to offer vaccinations to both residents and staff.

From today, September 30, community clinics will offer flu and Covid vaccination for those eligible for both.

NHS letters with appointment details are being sent out, unless patients have indicated a digital preference to be contacted by SMS or email.

Child flu clinics are also now under way in schools, nurseries and at community clinics for pre-school children.

Lynne McNiven, NHS Ayrshire and Arran director of public health, said: “Preparations are well under way for the delivery of our important winter vaccination programme, which will see tens of thousands of appointments take place in settings across Ayrshire once again this year.

“Some people are eligible for flu only, while others are invited for both flu and Covid-19 vaccinations and if you are offered one or both of these vaccines

"I’d urge you to take up the offer when it comes, as getting your vaccines is the best way to protect yourself.

"Winter viruses can cause severe illness, especially for those most at risk, including older people, those with weakened immune systems and pregnant women."

More information is available on the NHS Inform website, including a self-help guide that helps you find out the vaccines you may be eligible for and how you’ll be offered them.

In Ayrshire, some community pharmacies are offering free seasonal flu vaccinations to targeted eligible groups.

For the list of participating community pharmacies, visit nhsaaa.net/services/services-a-z/flu-vaccine/flu-vaccine-participating-community-pharmacies-in-ayrshire/.