As cases of flu, Covid, and other respiratory infections are rising in Shetland, people are being asked to avoid unnecessary contact with the most vulnerable members of the community if they feel unwell.
People with respiratory symptoms should also consider staying indoors until they feel better in order to prevent the spread of infection.
Elizabeth Robinson, Public Health and Planning Principal, said: “If you are planning to attend any social gatherings such as the upcoming Up Helly Aa festivals, please consider not attending if you are experiencing any symptoms that you could pass on to others. However, if you still want to go, consider only attending the outdoor
procession as this would be one way to enjoy the festivals but reduce risk to others.
“Please take particular care of older or more vulnerable people around you and avoid
spreading an infection to them.”
Vaccination still remains the best option you can take to prevent you and your
families from becoming unwell with flu or Covid.
Elizabeth added: “In Shetland, we have seen a small number of laboratory confirmed cases of flu so far, but this will be an underestimate of the true numbers as only a small proportion of people are tested. We are fully expecting numbers to rise, as we usually see our peak slightly later than mainland Scotland, usually later in January and into February and March.”
Although the regular vaccination clinics and walk-ins have stopped, those who are eligible can still arrange to have their vaccine/s.
The following people are eligible for the Covid booster and/ or seasonal flu
vaccinations:
• Anyone aged 50 or over
• anyone aged 12 to 49 identified as being at increased risk of Covid and flu
due to certain medical conditions or a weakened immune system
• Anyone who lives with someone who has a weakened immune system
• Unpaid carers, including young carers
• Pregnant women
• Staff who work face-to-face with patients or clients in a health or social care
setting
• Pupil-facing staff in schools (Flu only unless in one of the groups above)
• Adults under 50 and young people who have left school, who are in clinical
risk groups for flu but not Covid (Flu only)
In addition, anyone aged 12 or over who has missed any of their first doses of the
Covid vaccine can still have these by appointment.
The following groups of children aged 5-11 are eligible for Covid vaccines. Please
contact the vaccination team to make an appointment.
• All children who were aged five or over on 31 August 2022 are eligible for two
doses of vaccine
• All children in clinical risk groups are eligible for Covid vaccination after their
fifth birthday, including two primary doses and boosters
Children are also eligible for flu vaccination through their GP practice (pre-school
children) or school clinics. The school clinics have now finished. However if you think
your child still needs to be vaccinated, please, contact your GP practice.
You can contact the vaccination team on 01595 743319 (leave a message) or by email at shet.vaccination-team@nhs.scot to make an appointment or should you have any questions or queries. If you are eligible for a Covid vaccination, the vaccine can be administered at the same time.
As a reminder, if you aren’t vaccinated, there are other precautions you can take to help protect yourself and others from flu, Covid, and other respiratory infections. Examples are as follows:
- Continuing to wash your hands
- Using good respiratory hygiene (cough and sneeze into disposable tissues,
- put them in the bin and wash your hands)
- Keeping indoor spaces well-ventilated where possible
- Staying at home if you are unwell with symptoms
Face coverings are still recommended for public transport and indoor public places and may be required in somesituations or settings, such as health care. Please do not visit relatives and friends in hospital or in care homes if you have symptoms of respiratory infections.
There is more information on keeping well in winter on NHS Inform.
https://www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/healthy-know-how