21 January 2025
All Borders residents aged 65 and over are being invited to come forward for their pneumococcal vaccination.
Those under 65 who are either in a clinical risk group because of a medical condition or because they are undergoing treatment are also being offered the vaccine. Eligibility criteria is available here on the NHS inform website.
If you are eligible for a pneumococcal vaccine, you will receive a letter advising you to book an appointment to receive your vaccination.
Dr Sohail Bhatti, Director of Public Health at NHS Borders, said: “Invasive pneumococcal disease can cause serious illness and, in some cases, can be life-threatening. That’s why it’s so important for those who are eligible to get vaccinated. Vaccination not only helps reduce the severity of the disease if you contract it but also lowers your overall risk.
“While pneumococcal infection can affect anyone, people aged 65 and older and those with certain long-term health conditions are at a higher risk of developing complications.
“The pneumococcal vaccine offers the best protection against the most common types of pneumococcal bacteria. To learn more about pneumococcal disease and how vaccination can help, visit the NHS inform website.”