NHS Lanarkshire is inviting anyone eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine to visit one of its dedicated drop-in clinics.
There’s no need for anyone eligible to contact their GP practice as they can attend any of the dedicated vaccination centres at a time and day that suits them with no need for an appointment.
They opened on Monday and eligible groups are people aged 65 and over and anyone aged two to 64 who fall under one of the following risk groups, or have one of the following serious medical conditions:
- problems with the spleen, either because the spleen has been removed or does not work properly (aspenia)
- chronic respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- serious heart conditions
- severe kidney disease
- long-term liver disease
- diabetes that requires medication
- lowered immunity due to disease or treatment, such as people with HIV, people receiving chemotherapy for cancer, or people who are on long-term oral steroids for conditions such as asthma
- cochlear implants (a specific hearing device)
- cerebrospinal fluid leaks
Toby Tipper, general manager for the Vaccination Programme, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “People aged 65 or over, and those with certain health conditions, have a higher chance of becoming unwell with pneumococcal infection.
“This type of infection can lead to illnesses including bacterial meningitis and pneumonia.
“Getting your pneumococcal vaccine is the best way to help protect yourself against these illnesses.
“The vaccine is given in the upper arm and most people aged 65 or over will only need a single dose, which will help protect them for life.”
The pneumococcal vaccine is completely separate to the Covid booster and flu vaccinations.
Details on which centres are open for the pneumococcal vaccine is available on the NHS Lanarkshire website.
Further information on the pneumococcal vaccine and who is eligible is available of the NHS Inform website.
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