Ellwyn Medical Practice

18/09/2023

This page will be deleted at the end of September. Could our patients please follow our new page Mairches Medical Practice - Hawick and Galashiels.

04/09/2023

Have you made an appointment for your flu vaccination yet? Bookable appointments are available now and clinics start on 4 September.

If you're aged 50-64, or 18-64 with a condition that puts you at greater risk of Covid-19, you are eligible to book an appointment now.

There are still spaces at next week's clinics in Coldstream, Duns, Earlston, Eyemouth, Hawick, Newtown and Peebles.

👉 Book your appointment here: https://vacs.nhs.scot/csp

👉 Find out more info here: https://www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/flu-vaccination-programme/

04/09/2023

Flu vaccines are taking place at an earlier stage in this year's Winter Vaccination programme.

If you’re eligible for the flu vaccine only, please get it as soon as possible. Those eligible for both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be invited soon.

Visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines for more info.

25/08/2023

Find out if you’re eligible for any vaccines this winter with this handy self-help guide.

NHS Scotland is rolling out the vaccination programme in stages. If you’re eligible, NHS will contact you by post, email or text. Please wait to be contacted.

Visit nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines

23/08/2023

Find where you can get more medication when your medicine supplies have run out. This self-help guide will help to decide whether you need to contact your GP practice or pharmacy for more medication. You can use this guide for information about prescription and non-prescription medication.

23/08/2023

11/08/2023

This week the Scottish Government announced details of this year’s Autumn/Winter Flu and Covid-19 Vaccination Programme.

The decisions made regarding the programme have been made in line with the independent advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The JCVI has advised that to maximise protection in those most vulnerable to serious illness, Covid-19 vaccines should be offered to certain priority groups this winter.

Covid-19 booster vaccinations will no longer be routinely offered to under-65s with no underlying health conditions. However, the flu vaccination will still be offered to anyone over the age of 50.

In previous years, the vaccination programme started in early September with people in care homes and those aged 75 and over being vaccinated first. However, this year, these groups will be called slightly later (from the middle of October), so please do not worry if you do not receive your invitation until later than usual.

This change is because the JCVI has advised that protection is highest in the first three months following vaccination. By vaccinating those who are at highest risk from Covid-19 later, this provides greater protection over winter and into the new year. Protection from the Covid-19 vaccines does not stop after 3 months, but it does slowly start to fade.

The following groups are eligible for a flu vaccine this winter, with appointments starting from 4 September:

• Those aged 50 years and over
• Those aged 18-64 with an eligible health condition
• Frontline health and social care workers
• Carers (including unpaid and young carers)
• Teachers and support staff

Those eligible for a flu vaccine can make an appointment by calling 0800 030 8013 or visiting https://nhsinform.scot/flu.

The following groups of children are eligible for a flu vaccine this winter:

• Children aged 6 months to under 2 years (at risk)
• Children aged 2-5 years old (not in school)
• Primary and secondary school age pupils

Primary and secondary school aged children will, where possible, be given the flu vaccine at school.

The following groups are eligible for a flu and Covid-19 vaccination this winter with appointments starting from 18 September (please note: both vaccinations will be given at the same appointment)

• Frontline health and social care workers
• Residents and staff in care homes for older adults
• Those aged 65 and over
• Those aged 6 months to 64 years of age who are at higher clinical risk from Covid-19
• Pregnant women
• Carers aged 16-64
• Household contacts of those with a weakened immune system aged 12-64
• Children aged 5-15 years old who are at higher clinical risk of Covid-19, are young carers or household contacts of someone at risk

If you are eligible for one or both of the vaccines this winter, please look out for a letter in a white NHS Scotland branded envelope, or a text or email with details about your appointment or how to arrange one. Please attend your vaccination appointment or reschedule as soon as possible to help us offer vaccines to everyone eligible as quickly as possible.

08/08/2023

If you're eligible for a free flu vaccination this autumn/winter, you may have received a text message today inviting you to book an appointment.

The following groups are eligible:

o Those aged 50 years and over
o Those aged 18-64 with an eligible health condition
o Frontline health and social care workers
o Carers (including unpaid and young carers)
o Teachers and support staff
o Prison population and prison staff

Those eligible can make an appointment by calling 0800 030 8013 or visiting https://www.nhsinform.scot/flu.

If you are over 65, keep an eye out for a text message over the next few weeks advising you of appointment details for your Covid-19 and flu vaccination.

19/07/2023

Over the summer you may see some decontamination tents in the BGH carpark.

This is due to standard decontamination training we do regularly – there is no need to be alarmed!

18/07/2023

Al-anon have a Family Group in Melrose. Please call the helpline on 0800 0086 811 for more information.