This page was last updated 09:19, 31 Aug 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible for the Autumn/WinterCovid-19 and flu vaccines?

If you are in any of the groups in the list below, you can book an appointment for a flu vaccinationby clicking on to the online booking portal www.nhsinform.scot/flu  or by calling the National Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013. You might have received a have already received either a text message, email or letter asking you to do this. 

Eligibility for the flu vaccine - adult programme

  • Those living in long-stay residential care homes or other long-stay care facilities
  • All those aged 65 and over
  • All those aged 18 to 65 years in defined risk groups.
  • This includes:  those in clinical at-risk groups set out in Influenza: the green book, chapter 19 - GOV.UK
  • those experiencing homelessness
  • those experiencing substance misuse
  • asylum seekers living in Home Office hotel or B&B accommodation 
  • all prisoners within the Scottish prison estate
  • pregnant women
  • Frontline health and social care workers 
  • All NHS staff
  • Poultry workers & bird handlers
  • Cattle & Swine workers
  • Unpaid carers and young carers
  • Household contacts of those with immunosuppression

 If you are in any of these groups, you are eligible for the Covid-19 and the flu vaccination. Both vaccines will be offered together.

  • People aged 75years and over (born on or beforre March 1952)
  • Residents and staff in care homes for older adults 
  • Immunosuppressed: Individuals aged 6 months and over (born on or before 1 March 2026) who have a weakened immune system due to a health condition or medical treatment

NHS Scotland will contact you with your appointment details. This might be by text message, email,or an NHS Scotland letter (white envelopes have replaced the blue envelopes).    

 

How do I use the online booking portal?

Please click on www.nhsinform.scot/flu to find out how to use the portal. 

I can't attend my appointment?

It is important that you attend your vaccination appointment, but we understand this isn’t always possible.

You can change your appointment by clicking on to portal via  www.nhsinform.scot/flu or call the national helpline on 0800 030 8013. Cancelling or changing your appointment in advance means that we can offer your appointment to someone else.

If you are booking or changing an appointment for someone else, please phone the vaccinations helpline on 0800 030 8013.  This way the person you are booking for will stillreceive future invitations.

I have currently Covid-19 or have flu, can I still get my vaccination?

If you have Covid-19, or think you have the virus, you should not attend your vaccination appointment as you could spread the virus to others who might be more at risk. You will still need to get the vaccine, but you should wait until you have fully recovered (usually 2 weeks).

Why am I being offered the vaccine again?

Even if you have previouly had a flu or Covid-19 vaccine, having the vaccine will stop you spreading viruses to other people who might be more at risk of serious health problems and prevent admission to hospital.

Can I still catch flu or Covid-19 after having the vaccine?

It is possible to catch Covid-19 or flu after having the vaccine but it's likely to be milder and not last as long. Being vaccinated helps reduce the chance of you becoming infected. It can take up to 10 days for your body to build up extra protection from the booster dose.

How are vaccines given?

Vaccinations are given as an injection in the upper arm. You will only need one dose of the vaccine. It takes around 10 days for the vaccine to work.

I have a fear of needles, is there another option?

If you have a fear of needles, please let the person (vaccinator) giving you your vaccine know. Feeling nervous can be anatural response for some people. Your vaccinator understands this and will help you.  The needles used are small and you should only feel a tiny scratch.

Vaccine safety

All medicines, including vaccines, are tested for safety and effectiveness before they’re allowed to be used and are monitored by the Medicines and Health care products Regulatory Agency. 
 
Most people do not experience any, or only mild side effects, after having the vaccine. This shows the vaccine is teaching your body’s immune system how to protect itself from the disease. Side effects might include a sore arm, slight fever, chills, or fatigue and are usually managed by taking paracetamol. A member of staff will discuss this with you at your appointment.

Is there anything I should bring to my appointment?

If you are taking medication, it’s important that you bring a list of your medicines to discuss with the person giving you your vaccination.

Can I opt out of the flu or Covid-19 vaccination programme?

You can opt out, but we would strongly recommend you get your vaccines when these are offered to you.

To opt out, call NHS Scotland Winter Vaccination National Contact Centre on 0800 030 8013.

If you have opted out and have changed your mind and want to get the vaccine, please call the National Contact Centre.

Can I bring a friend, family member or carer to my appointment?

Yes, you can ask someone to come with you to your appointment. Where possible we would suggest limiting this to one person however, we do accommodate for families with children.

I need an interpreter at my appointment, what should I do?

If you need a BSL interpreter or a deaf-blind guide at your vaccination appointment, please call 01896 809250 or email Vaccination.BookingHub@borders.scot.nhs.uk as soon as possible. 

Telephone interpreting for other languages is available at our clinics (via Big Word / language line), just let one of our admin staff know when you arrive at the clinic.

I have no transport to get to my appointment?

If you need transport call Scottish Borders Council on 0300 100 1800. We would suggest that you contact Scottish Borders Council as soon as possible as it might take a little time for the Council to make arrangements for you.