Flu Vaccinations

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The 2026 Flu vaccination programme is now underway. As well as the usual routes (detailed below) for vaccinations, this year our colleagues at Scottish Ambulance Service will also be supporting community drop-in clinics for those who are eligible on the following dates and times. These sessions are particularly aimed at cattle and swine workers, health and social care workers, homeless and unpaid carers. Those eligible can just head along to the drop-in clinics during the following times, no appointment needed:

  • Dashing Deer (Deerness Distillery), Deerness, from 10am – 4pm, Tuesday 29 September
  • Braeburn Court, St Margaret’s Hope, from 10am – 12pm, Wednesday 30 September
  • Sands Hotel, Burray, from 2pm – 4pm, Wednesday 30 September
  • Birsay Community Hall, Birsay, from 10am – 12pm, Thursday 1 October
  • Dounby Surgery, Dounby, from 2pm – 4pm, Thursday 1 October

To check if you are eligible, click here, https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/flu-vaccine/.

Eligibility for the flu vaccine is based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). This guidance is reviewed every year so it’s important to check what vaccines you are eligible for each year. 

For those not attending the above drop-in sessions: 

  • For all mainland and non-ferry linked isles patients – please keep an eye on the post as you will be sent a letter with details of your appointment. If you signed up for text/email appointments, then look out for those too. All of these appointments will take place at The Balfour
  • For Stromness practice patients – you will be communicated with directly by the practice
  • For ferry linked isles patients – you will be communicated with directly by your practice
  • For care home residents – the vaccination team will visit care homes throughout the winter programme
  • For anyone pregnant – you will receive communication via the maternity department

Getting your winter vaccines is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you, reducing the risk of serious illness and hospital admission.