20/11/2025
With flu cases rising sharply across Scotland, health chiefs are warning people in Dumfries and Galloway not to delay getting vaccinated.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway has warned that public health experts had seen an early start to the winter flu season with a rapid increase in cases recently. The health board is urging people to come forward for their free vaccination.
NHS DG is in the process of offering flu vaccinations to eligible people. This includes those aged 65 or over and those aged 18 to 64 with an eligible health condition that makes them more at risk such as heart disease or diabetes, unpaid and young carers. Other groups of people are also eligible - full details of who is eligible can be found at nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/flu-vaccine
Everyone eligible should by now have received an NHS Scotland-branded letter or an email or text message with either an appointment time or instructions on how to book. Anyone who thinks they are eligible and has not yet been contacted should phone the local immunisation call centre immediately on 01387 403090.
Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “Vaccination is one of the most effective ways we can protect our population, particularly those most at risk from respiratory illness. We have put in place a wide range of venues, appointment systems and communications to make access as straightforward and fair as possible.”
Flu vaccinations are being delivered at mass vaccination clinics across the region:
• Annan Vaccination Centre
• Sanquhar Community Centre
• Canonbie Public Hall
• Thornhill Health and Social Care Hub
• Castle Douglas Vaccination Centre
• Waverley Medical Centre
• Kirkcudbright Health and Social Care Hub
• Lockerbie Medical Practice
• Moffat Health and Social Care Hub
• Mountainhall Treatment Centre, Dumfries
• Newton Stewart Health and Social Care Hub
School and pre-school children are being vaccinated in dedicated sessions, while care home residents receive visits from vaccination teams - with eligible staff able to get their vaccination at the same time.
Ms White highlighted the importance of widespread coverage and said: “By ensuring good uptake across our communities, we can reduce the risk of serious illness, help protect health services, and safeguard lives through the winter months.”
For more information, visit trusted sites such as NHS Inform at https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/winter-vaccines/
