10/10/2026
Vaccination update from Dumfries and Galloway Council - Briefing
People urged to act on calls to receive flu and COVID vaccinations
• Winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are getting underway across Dumfries and Galloway
• Eligible people are being invited throughout the autumn and winter
• People unable to attend their appointment are asked to reschedule
HEALTH officials are urging people who are eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccination to
take up the offer this winter and help protect themselves from serious illness. Vaccinations are being delivered over the coming months, with different groups being invited at different times.
Director of Public Health at NHS Dumfries and Galloway Valerie White said: “Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from serious illness caused by flu and COVID-19, particularly if you are at greater risk.
“Dumfries and Galloway has always had high uptake of winter vaccination programmes, which is a credit to people across the region, and we want to see that continue this winter.
“Viruses change over time, which is why vaccination each year remains important in helping protect people’s health over the winter months and reducing pressure on our health and social care services during what can be our busiest time of year.”
People who are eligible will receive an invitation by text, email or post as the programme progresses. Invitations will be sent throughout the autumn and winter. Some people will be given an appointment, while others will be asked to book an appointment at a time that is convenient for them.
Valerie White said: “If you receive an invitation, please take up the offer and attend your appointment.
“If you are unable to attend your appointment, you can reschedule through the online service or by telephone. Rescheduling means the appointment can be made available to someone else who needs vaccination.”
Reschedule through the NHS Inform winter vaccination service or by calling the National Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013 or the local call centre on 01387 403090.
Full information about eligibility for flu and COVID-19 vaccination is available on the NHS Inform website: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/winter-
vaccines/
NOTE:
All eligible people for flu and COVID-19 vaccination will be offered a vaccination appointment or the ability to book one before 7 December. Vaccinations are delivered in line with Scottish Government policy and advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
Child flu eligibility
Eligibility for child flu vaccination remains almost identical to winter 2025/26.
Vaccination in winter 2026/27 is being offered to:
• All children aged from six months to 18 years in clinical risk groups, where not otherwise eligible.
• All children aged 2–5 years who are not yet at school (age as of 1 September 2026).
• All primary school children (Primary 1 to Primary 7).
• All secondary school pupils (Years 1 to 6).
Adult flu eligibility
Adult flu vaccination eligibility remains almost identical to winter 2025/26, with cattle and swine workers added to the eligible groups.
Vaccination is being offered to:
• Everyone living in long-stay residential care homes or other long-stay care facilities.
• Everyone aged 65 and over.
• People aged 18 to under 65 in defined risk groups.
• People experiencing homelessness.
• People experiencing substance misuse.
• Asylum seekers living in Home Office hotel or B&B accommodation.
• Prisoners within the Scottish prison estate.
• Pregnant women.
• Frontline health and social care workers.
• Non-frontline NHS workers.
• Poultry workers and bird handlers.
• Cattle and swine workers.
• Unpaid carers and young carers.
• Household contacts of people who are immunosuppressed.
COVID-19 eligibility
COVID-19 vaccination is being offered to:
• Residents in care homes for older adults.
• All adults aged 75 and over.
• Individuals aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed.
People in these groups are also eligible for flu vaccination, which will be offered alongside COVID-19 vaccination.
Vaccination venues:
· Annan Vaccination Centre
· Canonbie Public Hall
· Castle Douglas Vaccination Centre
· Kirkcudbright Hospital
· Moffat Hospital
· Sanquhar Community Centre
· Thornhill Hospital
· Waverley Medical Centre - Stranraer
· Lockerbie Medical Practice
· Mountainhall Vaccination Centre Dumfries
Any enquiries should go to Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership
Communication and Engagement Manager Rod Edgar, by calling 01387 241061
(internal ext 33061) or emailing [email protected]
