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Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be offered to those eligible between September and December. It’s strongly recommended you get vaccinated if you’re offered this winter. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive a letter, SMS or email with appointment details or information about how to book one. You may receive information about your appointment at a different time than previous years.

For more information about winter vaccines and who is eligible visit at NHS Inform.

#WinterVaccinesScot

Overview

We expect to offer a Flu and COVID vaccination (where eligible) to the eligible population across Greater Glasgow and Clyde, ranging from school aged children (flu only) to people living in care homes for the elderly.

The way you get your Flu and COVID vaccination will have changed over recent years. No Flu or Covid Vaccinations are delivered in General Practice. Vaccinations are given in a range of different settings:

Drop In Clinics

Drop in Vaccination Clinics

Winter vaccines Drop-in clinics

We’re encouraging those eligible to take up the offer of their flu and/or COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. Both viruses can be serious and evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccine protection fades and the flu virus changes over time. Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to protect yourself against serious illness. 

If you’re eligible for vaccination and haven’t yet received one, or both, please come along to one of the drop-in clinics below to ensure you’re protected ahead of the festive season:

Community Clinic Drop-ins

Thursday 11th December 2025 – Milngavie Town Hall: 71 Station Rd, Milngavie, Glasgow G62 8BZ – 10:00am – 19:00pm

Sunday 14th December 2025 – Port Glasgow Health Centre, 2-4 Bay St, Port Glasgow PA14 5EW – 10:00am – 19:00pm


Monday 15th December 2025 – Piazza: Unit-28/29, Central Way, Paisley PA11 ELB – 10:00-19:00

Tuesday 16th December 2025 – Johnstone Town Hall: 25 Church St, Johnstone, PA5 8EG – 10:00-19:00

Wednesday 17th December 2025 St Marks Church:  281 Kinfauns Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow G15 7BD – 10:00-19:00

Wednesday 17th December 2025 – Kirkintiloch Town Hall:  Kirkintilloch, G66 1HN – 10:00-19:00

Wednesday 17th December 2025 – Johnstone Town Hall: 25 Church St, Johnstone, PA5 8EG – 10:00-19:00

Wednesday 17th December 2025 – Renfrew North Parish Church: 14 Renfield St, Renfrew PA4 8RG -10:00-19:00

Thursday 18th December 2025 – Milngavie Town Hall: 71 Station Rd, Milngavie, Glasgow G62 8BZ – 10:00-19:00

Thursday 18th December 2025 – Piazza: Unit-28/29, Central Way, Paisley PA11 ELB – 10:00-19:00

Friday 19th December 2025 – Renfrew North Parish Church: 14 Renfield St, Renfrew PA4 8RG – 10:00-19:00

Saturday 20th December 2025 – Clydebank Health And Care Centre: Queens Quay Main Avenue, Clydebank G81 1BS – 10:00-19:00

Saturday 20th December 2025 – Institute of  Neurological Sciences, Queen Elizabeth: 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF – 10:00-19:00

Sunday 21st December 2025 – Concorde Community Centre:  St Mary’s Way, Dumbarton G82 1LJ -10:00-19:00

Sunday 21st December 2025 – Barrhead Health & Social Care Centre:  213 Main St, Barrhead, Glasgow G78 1SA -10:00-19:00

Sunday 21st December 2025 – Port Glasgow Health Centre: 2-4 Bay St, Port Glasgow PA14 5EW -10:00-19:00

Mobile Vaccination Service

The Scottish Ambulance Mobile Vaccination vehicle is a drop in service.  This means that there may be busy times and you may have to wait.  The mobile clinic can only accommodate 4 vaccinators and a limited supply of vaccine.  Please be patient. You may wish to book an appointment at one of our Vaccination Centres instead.  

You can do this by going to the online booking portal or calling the National Contact Centre on 0800 030 8013.

The mobile vaccination service will offer Flu vaccinations on:

Wednesday 10th  December 2025 – Ferguslie Sports Centre, 100 Blackstoun Road, Howwood, PA3 1EX – 10:00am – 16:00pm

Thursday 11th December 2025 0 Ladyton Shops, Bonhill, G83 9DZ – 10:00am – 16:00pm

Children and Young People

The vaccine will be offered to all school-aged pupils, all children aged 2-5 not yet in school and children aged 6 months to 2 years old with a condition that puts them at increased risk of flu. Home-educated young people and young people not attending mainstream education are also eligible.

The flu vaccine is offered as a painless nasal spray to almost all children. It cannot give the child flu but starts to provide protection against flu within 10-14 days. The nasal spray offers the best possible protection for children and young people and can also stop flu spreading to family, friends and others, especially those most at risk of becoming seriously ill with flu. Children aged 2 to 5 are being offered vaccination from September to ensure they receive the earliest protection and prevent the virus spreading.  

Those eligible for the childhood and school flu vaccination programme include:

  • Children aged from 6 months to 18 years in clinical risk groups (if not eligible in accordance with bullets below)
  • All children aged 2-5 years not yet at school (age as of 01/09/2025)
  • All primary school children (primary one to primary seven)
  • All secondary school pupils (years one to six)
Winter Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination 2025

COVID-19 vaccinations will be offered to those who are eligible until 31st January 2026.

Flu vaccinations will be offered to those who are eligible until 31st March 2026.

Flu and Covid-19 vaccines will be offered to those eligible from October onwards. It’s strongly recommended you get vaccinated if you’re eligible this winter. Invitations for people who are eligible will start being sent from late August. You may receive your invitation at a different time than previous years. You should attend the appointment you’ve been given, or make or rearrange your appointment as soon as possible.

The postal invites will arrive in white envelopes with clear NHS Scotland branding. People with a digital preference will receive their vaccine appointment or prompt by text and/or email.

Please do not try to make an appointment until you’ve been invited by NHS Scotland.

The joint committee on vaccination and immunisation (JCVI) advice is to offer the vaccines to those at high risk of serious illness from flu or COVID-19 and who are therefore most likely to benefit from vaccination.

Who will be offered the flu vaccine

The flu vaccine is offered to adults who are most at risk of getting seriously ill from flu.

Older adults and people with certain health conditions are more at risk of flu-related complications and need extra protection, even if their health condition is mild or well managed.

You’ll be offered the flu vaccine this year if you’re:

  • aged 65 and over
  • aged 18 to 64 with an eligible health condition
  • pregnant
  • living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility
  • working in a care home for older adults
  • living with someone who has a weakened immune system
  • an unpaid or young carer
  • a frontline health or social care worker
  • a non-frontline NHS worker
  • a poultry worker or bird handler
  • an asylum seeker living in a home office hotel or B&B accommodation
  • experiencing homelessness or substance misuse
  • living in a Scottish prison

Who will be offered the COVID-19 Vaccine

Eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccination programme is based on the advice and recommendations of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

This is informed by robust evidence of which groups are at risk of severe disease, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19.

Vaccination will be offered to those at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19. These groups include:

  • adults aged 75 years and over
  • residents in a care home for older adults
  • individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed (as defined in the ‘immunosuppression’ sections of tables 3 or 4 in the COVID-19 chapter of the Green Book)

To find out if you are eligible for flu vaccination, please visit the Flu vaccine | NHS inform

To find out if you are eligible for COVID Vaccination please visit NHS Inform.

When will I be invited?

Please wait to be contacted about your vaccination – do not try to make an appointment until you’ve been invited by NHS Scotland.

NHSGGC Staff Only

Staff Vaccination 2025/26

No appointments needed for staff at community flu clinics

All NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) staff can visit any NHSGGC community vaccination clinic from Friday 28th November 2025 to receive a free flu vaccination without an appointment.

This applies to clinical and non-clinical NHSGGC staff. Please bring your ID badge along as proof of work.

Why act now?

Flu season has hit Scotland around a month earlier than usual, and cases are continuing to rise. NHSGGC is urging all staff to get their winter vaccinations now to avoid being floored by symptoms or, in severe cases, hospitalised.
There are multiple ways that staff can get the vaccine, listed below.

Community clinics

Bring along your Staff ID badge to one of the listed clinics below between 9am and 7pm. No appointment required for staff.

Clinics and dates, all 9am – 7pm

  • Milngavie Town Hall | 71 Station Rd, Milngavie, Glasgow G62 8BZ
    • 11th, 18th, 22nd December
  • Kirkintilloch Town Hall | Kirkintilloch, G66 1HN
    • 10th, 17th 22nd December
  • Renfrew Parish Church Hall | 14 Renfield Street, Renfrew PA4 8RG
    • 12th, 17th, 19th December
  • Johnstone Town Hall | 25 Church St, Johnstone, PA5 8EG
    • 3rd, 9th, 10th , 16th 17th December
  • Piazza Shopping Centre | Unit-28/29, Central Way, Paisley PA1 1ELB
    • 11th, 15th, 18th,22nd, 23rd December
  • Eastwood Health Centre | Drumby Cres, Clarkston, Glasgow G76 7HN
    • 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st December
  • Barrhead Health and Social Care Centre | 213 Main St, Barrhead, Glasgow G78 1SA
    • 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st December
  • Stobhill Hospital Seminar Rooms | Car Park 3 Entrance, 133 Balornock Road, Glasgow G21 3UW
    • 15th, 16th, 22nd 23rd December
  • Gorbals Health & Care Centre | 2 Sandiefield Road, Gorbals, G5 9AB
    • 13th, 20th December
  • Institute of Neurological Sciences | Queen Elizabeth, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF
    • 13th, 20th December
  • Parkhead Hub | 1251 Duke Street, Parkhead, Glasgow, G31 5NZ
    • 13th, 20th December
  • Priesthill Community Hall | 100 Priesthill Road, Glasgow G53 6QL
    • 11th, 18th December
  • St Marks Church | 281 Kinfauns Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow G15 7BD
    • 10th, 17th December
  • Greater Easterhouse Supporting Hands | 1 Redcastle Sq, Glasgow G33 5EG
    • 10th, 17th December
  • Whiteinch Centre | 1 Northinch St, Glasgow G14 0UG
    • 11th, 16th, 18th December
  • Castlemilk Health Centre | 71 Dougrie Drive, Glasgow, G45 9AW
    • 14th, 21st December
  • Alexandria Community Centre | Main St, Alexandria, G83 0NU
    • 13th, 20th December
  • Concorde Community Centre | St Mary’s Way, Dumbarton G82 1LJ
    • 14th, 21st December
  • Clydebank Health and Care Centre | Queens Quay Main Avenue, Clydebank G81 1BS
    • 13th, 20th December
  • Port Glasgow Health Centre | 2-4 Bay St, Port Glasgow PA14 5EW
    • 14th, 21st December
  • Broomhill Gardens and Community Hub | 46 Mearns St, Greenock PA15 4QD
    • 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th December

Roaming vaccinators

Roaming vaccinators will be moving through hospitals sites on the days listed below. Due to the nature of roaming vaccinators, vaccine availability and storage, times of when vaccinators will be on a specific ward cannot be confirmed. We appreciate your understanding. Please check in with your Chief Nurse on the day who can provide you with more information.

  • Monday 8th December
    • Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (Various wards and the Spinal Injuries Unit between 08:00–20:00)
  • Tuesday 9th December
    • Vale of Leven (Meeting Room 5 between 08:00–16:00)
  • Friday 12th December
    • Inverclyde Royal Hospital, (Various wards between 08:00–20:00)
    • Stobhill (Minor Injuries Unit, Theatres, and Recovery from 08:00–20:00)
    • New Victoria (Various wards between 08:00–16:00)
  • Saturday 13th December
    • Glasgow Royal Infirmary (Various wards between 08:00–20:00)
    • Royal Hospital for Children (Various wards between 08:00–12:00)
  • Sunday 14th December
    • Gartnavel and The Beatson (Various wards between 08:00–20:00)
    • Royal Alexandra Hospital (Various wards between 08:00–20:00)

Participating community pharmacies

There is a list of around 180 pharmacies on the NHSGGC website that are offering the vaccine to eligible people. We recommend you contact them in advance to ensure they have a vaccinator ready when you pop in and remember to take your staff ID badge with you.

Pharmacies providing the vaccines can be found in the list below:

Mobile Vaccination Unit

No appointment is required between 10am and 4pm. Bring along your Staff ID badge. The MVU will be in the following locations:

  • Monday 1 December
    • Erskine Sports Centre, Kilpatrick Drive, Erskine, Renfrewshire, PA8 7AF
  • Tuesday 2 December
    • The Foundry, 101 Main Street, Barrhead, G78 1SW
  • Wednesday 3 December
    • Chapel Street Car Park, Chapel Street, Lennoxtown, G66 7DE
  • Monday 8 December
    • Gourock Swimming Pool Car Park, Albert Road, PA19 1NQ
  • Tuesday 9 December
    • Knightswood Community Centre, 201 Alderman Road, Glasgow, G13 3DD
  • Wednesday 10 December
    • Ferguslie Sport Centre, 100 Blackstoun Road, Howwood, PA3 1EX
  • Thursday 11 December
    • Ladyton Shops, Bonhill, G83 9DZ

Who is eligible?

  • Health social care and social work staff who work directly with patients and provide support services are eligible for the flu vaccine this year.
  • Non-frontline NHS staff are also eligible for the flu vaccine.
  • Vaccination of staff groups will protect health services from staff absences during the winter months. It is recommended staff take up the offer of vaccination this year to protect those in their care and themselves.  

To find out if you are eligible for flu vaccination, please visit the Flu vaccine | NHS inform

Winter vaccines for Health and Social Care Staff

Staff flu vaccinations – Staff Flu Vaccination Week is now complete. You can still receive your vaccination by:

For anyone that is hospital based, there are over 40 peer vaccinators working across our hospital sites continuing to offer staff vaccines within their ward settings.

Health and social care staff are also able to access community pharmacy to receive their flu vaccine at a time and place that is convenient to them. To find out participating pharmacies, please see ‘community pharmacy – Flu only’ section.

Community flu vaccination clinics are also available. These can be booked by visiting Login – Customer Service (nhs.scot) or calling 0800 030 8013 during the hours of Monday to Friday 9.00am to 6.00pm or Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm.

For staff with a weakened immune system who access the national booking portal. They may say an automatic message advising them to wait until they have received their letter. This is directed at those staff members who are 65 or over, immunocompromised, or ‘at-risk’.

Winter Vaccines Leaflets
NHS Inform
Winter Vaccines Leaflets
(British Sign Language)
Winter Vaccines Leaflets
(In other languages)

Your Appointment

About your Autumn/Winter Vaccination Appointment
  • Where eligible Flu and COVID-19 vaccination will be given at the same appointment.
  • Appointments will be available right the way through to December, ensuring all those eligible are protected before flu and COVID-19 viruses are most likely to be circulating.
  • Most adults who are eligible for one or both vaccines will have already been contacted by NHS Scotland. Depending on communication preferences, this will have been by letter, email or text.  Please attend the appointment you’ve been given, or make or rearrange your appointment as soon as possible.
  • More information is available on Winter vaccines | NHS inform including a self-help guide that helps citizens to find out about the vaccines you may be eligible for, and how you’ll be offered them.
How do I reschedule my appointment?

You can rearrange your appointment if the time or day you’ve been given doesn’t suit you. 

There may be evening and weekend vaccination clinics available too. If it’s more convenient, you can book or reschedule your appointment to a vaccination clinic closer to where you work or somewhere you visit regularly. This can be anywhere in Scotland.

If you are unable to attend or cannot get to this location, you can change your appointment online at:

NHS Inform – Invitations and Appointments webpage

Or you can call the helpline number to rearrange your appointment Monday to Friday 9.00am to 6.00pm on 0800 030 8013 or Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm

Please note this number is for rescheduling appointments only.

Cancelling your appointment or opting out

NHS Scotland strongly recommends you get vaccinations when they are offered to you.

However, if you decide to cancel your appointment, you should do this online via the booking portal or phone the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013. Appointments for children under 12 can only be cancelled by phoning the helpline.

If you wish to opt out, you will need to phone 0800 030 8013. You are only opting-out of coronavirus and flu vaccinations under the current programme. Please note that the way the IT system is built, you cannot opt out of one vaccine only. For example, if you are still interested in getting your flu vaccine, but not your coronavirus vaccine, you should not opt out. When offered a coronavirus vaccine at a future flu appointment, you can simply decline this.

If you previously opted out, this meant that we would no longer send you out a scheduled appointment for these vaccinations. You may have since received an invitation letter, text or email informing you of your eligibility for the winter vaccination programme, prompting you to book if you wish to do so. This is because NHS Scotland has a duty of care to inform you of the vaccines available to you. If you wish to opt out of all further communications about coronavirus and flu vaccinations, please call 0800 030 8013. If you are eligible for other vaccine programmes, you will still be invited for those. Your data will remain on the system, in case you wish to opt back in at any point in the future.

If you’re ill on the day

You no longer need to wait for a specific amount of time after confirmed Covid-19 infection to have your vaccine. However, if you’re unwell, wait until you’ve recovered to have your vaccine. You should not attend an appointment if you have a fever, diarrhoea or vomiting, or think you might be infectious to others.

What can I expect after my vaccine

Possible side effects of the flu vaccines

Like all medicines, the flu vaccine can cause side effects. This is normal but not everyone gets them. It shows the vaccine is teaching your body’s immune system how to protect itself from the disease.

These potential side effects are much less serious than flu or complications associated with flu.

Side effects are usually mild and may include:

  • tenderness, swelling and/or redness at the site of the injection
  • headache
  • muscle aches
  • fever (temperature 38°C or above)

You may also feel generally unwell. These possible side effects usually go away within a few days.

You can rest and take the normal dose of paracetamol (follow the advice in the packaging) to help make yourself feel better.

Possible side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine

Like all medicines, the COVID-19 vaccine can cause side effects. This is normal but not everyone gets them. It shows the vaccine is teaching your body’s immune system how to protect itself from the disease.

Side effects are usually mild and may include:

  • a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection
  • feeling tired
  • headache
  • general aches or mild flu-like symptoms

Side effects should normally only last a few days, and no longer than a week. Even if you’ve had side effects after a previous dose, it’s recommended you get all the doses you’re eligible for, unless your side effect was severe. If you have any questions, speak to your health professional or vaccinator. You can rest and take paracetamol (follow the dose advice in the packaging) to help make yourself feel better.

Where will I be required to attend for my appointment?

East Dunbartonshire
ClinicFacilitiesLocation/Transport
Milngavie Town Hall: 71 Station Rd, Milngavie, Glasgow G62 8BZParking
Wheelchair Access
Hearing Loop
Toilet Facilities
Baby Changing
Interpreter Services		Milngavie Town Hall – Google Maps
Bus – First Bus  
Train – ScotRail
Kirkintiloch Town Hall,  Kirkintilloch, G66 1HNParking
Wheelchair Access
Hearing Loop
Toilet Facilities
Baby Changing Interpreter Services		Kirkintilloch Town Hall
Bus – First Bus  
Train – ScotRail
Renfrewshire
ClinicFacilitiesLocation/Transport
Renfrew Parish Church Hall, 14 Renfield Street, Renfrew PA4 8RGParking
Wheelchair Access
Hearing Loop
Toilet Facilities
Interpreter Services		Renfrew Parish Church Hall
Bus – First Bus  
Train – ScotRail
Johnstone Town Hall: 25 Church St, Johnstone, PA5 8EGParking
Wheelchair Access
Hearing Loop
Toilet Facilities
Baby Changing
Interpreter Services		Johnstone Town Hall – Google Maps
Bus – First Bus  
Train – ScotRail
Piazza Shopping Centre Unit-28/29, Central Way, Paisley PA1 1ELBParking
Wheelchair Access
Hearing Loop
Toilet Facilities
Baby Changing Interpreter Services
Piazza Shopping Centre
Bus – First Bus  
Train – ScotRail
After 6pm, please use the Smithhills Street entrance to the Piazza Shopping Centre
East Renfrewshire
ClinicFacilitiesLocation/Transport
Eastwood Health Centre, Drumby Cres, Clarkston, Glasgow G76 7HNParking
Wheelchair Access
Hearing Loop
Toilet Facilities
Baby Changing Interpreter Services		Eastwood Health Centre
Bus – First Bus  
Train – ScotRail
Barrhead Health & Social Care Centre, 213 Main St, Barrhead, Glasgow G78 1SAParking
Wheelchair Access
Hearing Loop
Toilet Facilities
Baby Changing Interpreter Services		Barrhead Health & Care Centre – Google Maps
Bus – First Bus  
Train – ScotRail
Glasgow City
ClinicFacilitiesLocation/Transport
Stobhill Hospital Seminar Rooms, car park 3 entrance, 133 Balornock Road, Glasgow G21 3UW  Parking
Wheelchair Access
Hearing Loop
Toilet Facilities
Baby Changing
Interpreter Services		Stobhill Hospital
Bus – First Bus  
Train – ScotRail
The clinic is situated at the rear of Stobhill Hospital (Seminar Rooms) Go through main entrance door and continue to the exit directly at the rear of the building. The seminar rooms are at the building on the left.
Gorbals Health & Care Centre, 2 Sandiefield road, Gorbals, G5 9ABParking
Wheelchair access
Hearing Loop
Toilet Facilities		Gorbals Health & Care Centre
Institute of  Neurological Sciences, Queen Elizabeth 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TFHearing Loop
Toilet Facilities
Baby Changing
Interpreter Services		Institute of  Neurological Sciences
Bus – First Bus  
Train – ScotRail
Parkhead Hub, 1251 Duke Street, Parkhead, Glasgow, G31 5NZParking
Wheelchair Access
Hearing Loop
Toilet Facilities
Baby Changing
Interpreter Services		The Parkhead Hub
Bus – First Bus  
Train – ScotRail
Priesthill Community Hall, 100 Priesthill Road, Glasgow G53 6QL Parking
Wheelchair Access
Hearing Loop
Toilet Facilities
Baby Changing
Interpreter Services		Priesthill Community Hall
Bus – First Bus  
Train – ScotRail
St Marks Church, 281 Kinfauns Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow G15 7BDHearing Loop
Toilet Facilities
Baby Changing
Interpreter Services		St Mark’s Church – Google Maps
Bus – First Bus  
Train – ScotRail
Greater Easterhouse Supporting Hands, 1 Redcastle Sq, Glasgow G33 5EGParking
Wheelchair Access
Hearing Loop
Toilet Facilities
Baby Changing Interpreter Services		Greater Easterhouse Supporting Hands – Google Maps
Bus – First Bus  
Train – ScotRail
Whiteinch Centre, 1 Northinch St, Glasgow G14 0UGParking
Wheelchair Access
Hearing Loop
Toilet Facilities
Baby Changing Interpreter Services		Whiteinch Centre
Bus – First Bus  
Train – ScotRail
Castlemilk Health Centre, 71 Dougrie Drive, Glasgow, G45 9AW
Parking
Wheelchair Access
Hearing Loop
Toilet Facilities
Baby Changing Interpreter Services		Castlemilk Health Centre
Bus – First Bus  
Train – ScotRail
West Dunbartonshire
ClinicFacilitiesLocation/Transport
Alexandria Community Centre: Main St, Alexandria, G83 0NUParking
Wheelchair Access
Hearing Loop
Toilet Facilities
Baby Changing
Interpreter Services		Alexandria Community Centre – Google Maps
Bus – First Bus  
Train – ScotRail
Concorde Community Centre, St Mary’s Way, Dumbarton G82 1LJParking
Wheelchair Access
Hearing Loop
Toilet Facilities
Baby Changing
Interpreter Services		Concorde Community Centre – Google Maps
Bus – First Bus  
Train – ScotRail
Clydebank Health And Care Centre, Queens Quay Main Avenue, Clydebank G81 1BS Parking
Wheelchair Access
Hearing Loop
Toilet Facilities
Baby Changing
Interpreter Services		Clydebank Health And Care Centre
Bus – First Bus  
Train – ScotRail
Inverclyde
ClinicFacilitiesLocation/Transport
Port Glasgow Health Centre, 2-4 Bay St, Port Glasgow PA14 5EW Parking
Wheelchair Access
Hearing Loop
Toilet Facilities
Baby Changing Interpreter Services		Port Glasgow Health Centre
Bus – First Bus  
Train – ScotRail
Broomhill Gardens and Community Hub, 46 Mearns St, Greenock PA15 4QD Parking
Wheelchair Access
Hearing Loop
Toilet Facilities
Baby Changing Interpreter Services		Broomhill Gardens and Community Hub
Bus – First Bus  
Train – ScotRail
Community Pharmacy – Flu Only

You’ll be offered the flu vaccine this year at our participating pharmacies if you’re:

  • aged 65 and over
  • aged 18 to 64 with an eligible health condition
  • living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility
  • working in a care home for older adults
  • living with someone who has a weakened immune system
  • an unpaid or young carer
  • a frontline health or social care worker
  • a non-frontline NHS worker
  • a poultry worker or bird handler
  • an asylum seeker living in a home office hotel or B&B accommodation
  • experiencing homelessness or substance misuse

Participating Pharmacies:

Glasgow South

Glasgow North East

Glasgow North West

Renfrewshire

East Renfrewshire

West Dunbartonshire

East Dunbartonshire

Inverclyde

Adults aged 16-18yrs who remain in secondary education will not be vaccinated in community pharmacy. This cohort will be picked up by the School Health Service. If your child has missed their vaccination in school,(i.e. due to sickness) the chilhood vaccination team will revisit the school and arrange for your child to be vaccinated. Childhood flu vaccination are not available in community pharmacy.

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Person Centred Visiting is in place across NHSGGC, including maternity antenatal, postnatal, and ultrasound appointments. In most circumstances we ask that there are no more than 2 visitors at a time (not including children) at the bedside. These visitors can change.

If possible, please arrange childcare for ultrasound appointments. If you need to discuss this, please phone the number in your ultrasound appointment letter.

Further information on visiting hospital

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What is Essential Visiting?

Essential visiting is when visiting needs to be more carefully managed, such as in the event of an outbreak of infection. During these times, there may be the need to temporarily restrict visiting in individual ward areas to prevent the spread of infection, and to protect patients, families and staff. This is normal practice in the management of an infection outbreak.

We understand the vital support that family and friends provide to maintain wellbeing. NHSGGC is committed to take as flexible, person-centred and compassionate approach to facilitate family and friend support. We will try to facilitate visits in any situation where it is important for family to be involved for ethical, safety or other reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will ‘essential visits’ be supported?

The following are examples of where an ‘essential visit’ will be supported for family members: 

  • when someone is reaching the end of their life
  • if someone has dementia and needs family support
  • support for someone with a learning disability
  • a family member who has caring responsibilities
  • parents of a child in hospital
  • support during pregnancy and childbirth, including outpatient appointments, ante-natal and post-natal care
  • situations where someone is receiving life-changing information.

This list is not exhaustive. A flexible and compassionate approach will always guide decision making.

How will I keep in touch with my family member/friend?

Person Centred Virtual Visiting (video calls) is in place to help people maintain contact with their relatives/friends, when in-person visits are not possible. People can see and talk to those who matter to them using NHS Near Me / Attend Anywhere. You can access this on mobile phones, laptops or computers. iPads are available on all wards if you do not have, or are unable to use, your own device.

For more information, please visit our Person Centred Virtual Visiting webpage.

What if I have any other questions?

Please do not hesitate to speak to with ward staff if you have any questions. You can find Ward and Department telephone numbers on the NHSGGC website.

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Give and Go services are running from 12.00 – 5.00pm Monday to Friday at the main entrances of Glasgow Royal Infirmary and the Royal Alexandra Hospital from Thursday 17 March onwards. This is due to local temporary essential visiting restrictions which are now in place.

Our volunteer-run Give and Go service enables families and friends to safely collect personal laundry and hand in comfort items and essential belongings for their loved ones while they are in hospital and patient visiting is restricted due to COVID-19.

If you or a loved one would like to use the service, we ask that you only bring one small bag (e.g. a small rucksack or carrier bag) that is sealed with sellotape or masking tape and marked with the patient’s name, ward details and date of birth. Please try to ensure that only one person attends the hospital to hand in belongings.

Further information on the Give and Go service

What can you drop off?

We accept personal and comfort items.

You will be able to drop off essential items to our volunteers who will deliver these to the wards for your loved ones. Please ensure you observe social distancing when using this volunteer service. Many people want to bring food to their relative in hospital and we understand why this is important. Please only send small items of food that do not need to go in the fridge, or need to be reheated.

Items allowed

  • Toiletries (washbag)
  • Mobile phones, chargers, Kindle/iPad/e-readers
  • Clothing/footwear
  • Hearing aid/glasses/dentures (they must be in a protective container)
  • Snacks in original sealed package
  • Books, magazines.

Items not allowed

  • Food that requires refrigeration or reheating
  • Smoking/tobacco materials
  • Medication/drugs/alcohol
  • Money, bank cards
  • Jewellery
  • Flowers
  • Take away food
  • Balloons
  • Fans/Kettles.

Collecting laundry

If you would like to collect laundry please call the ward in advance of your visit to arrange and the volunteers will collect it from the ward when you arrive.

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These web pages explain what we are doing to address discrimination and bring about better equalities in health.

We want to ensure that everyone who uses our healthcare services, or works for us, is treated fairly. This means making sure that services are working well for everyone and that people are getting information in a way they can understand.

We also report on how we are upholding the equality laws designed to protect people from unfair discrimination.

To view these reports, find out more about our work and to contact the NHSGGC Equality & Human Rights Team, see below.

Current Areas of Work
Get In Touch
Information & Resources
Meeting the Requirements of Equality Legislation
What’s
New
Who is protected
by Equality Law

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The information provided here is intended to help you find out what to expect during this difficult time, as well as providing information about some of the practical arrangements you will need to consider.

Due to the pandemic, some of the usual arrangements may have changed, however, support is still available.

Bereavement Support

Macmillan Information and NHS Bereavement Centre
Macmillan Information and NHS Bereavement Centre
The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre – Support from Beatson Cancer Charity

We can provide support for adults who have lost a loved one to cancer who was treated at the at the West of Scotland Beatson Cancer Centre or other West of Scotland hospital. We can provide support at any point following a death. We provide one to one support by telephone, run an in person group support programme, and can provide information and signposting. 

Visit the Beatson Cancer Charity website for further information
NHSGGC Bereavement Support for Parents, Siblings and Staff

The Family Bereavement Support Team is here for those who have experienced loss at the children’s and maternity hospitals in Glasgow. 

Based in the comforting surroundings of Crossbasket House, family bereavement practitioners Kristin, Lyn and Fiona offer structured support sessions for families facing the unimaginable grief of losing a child. 

Crossbasket House is part of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, which has funded bereavement support at the hospital since 2018. The Charity is here for every step of a family’s journey through the hospital, including times of loss. 

Whether face-to-face in the welcoming environment of Crossbasket House, by phone or online, the team support parents, families and siblings in individual or group sessions as they navigate their most difficult days. 

Contact Us 

Family Bereavement Service
What can happen when someone is dying

This leaflet will guide you through what to expect and what can happen when someone is at the end of their life.

What can happen when someone is dying (Latest English language version)

Alternative language versions (please note these are the previous version of the booklet)

What can happen when someone is dying (Arabic)

What can happen when someone is dying (Mandarin)

What can happen when someone is dying (Polish)

What can happen when someone is dying (Punjabi)

What can happen when someone is dying (Urdu)

When Someone Has Died – information for you

When someone close to you dies, you may be unsure what to do. This leaflet will help you understand:

  • What you need to do
  • How you may feel.
View or download this booklet at NHS Inform
NHSGGC Spiritual Care and the Chaplaincy Service

An NHS Healthcare Chaplain is always on-call and ward staff can arrange for them to be paged. 

Visit the Spiritual Care and the Chaplaincy Service page

Other Local and National Services and Resources

Death Certification

Arrangements for Death Certification may have changed due to Covid-19. Local Authority websites should have the latest information from your area.

Further local and national information on Death Certification
Disability information Scotland

Can offer advice on installing disability equipment, information on benefits and other services.

Visit the website
EQUIPU

EQUIPU is a service responsible for providing, delivering and installing a range of disability equipment supplied by health and social work services to disabled people living at home.

For further information or to arrange uplift contact:

Telephone. 0141 287 6300

Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief

Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief is working to make Scotland a place where there is more openness about death, dying and bereavement so that:

  • People are aware of ways to live with death, dying and bereavement
  • People feel better equipped to support each other through the difficult times that can come with death, dying and bereavement.
Find out more
LifeLink

Lifelink offers a range of stress services for adults and young people in communities and schools across Glasgow City.

Find out more
Living Life

Living Life is a free telephone service available to anyone over the age of 16 who is suffering from low mood, mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety.

Find out more
NHS Inform

NHS Inform Bereavement area can help you find answers to your questions and guide you through the early days of your bereavement. It can also help you understand more of the experience of loss in the days that lie ahead.

Find out more
Renfrewshire Bereavement Network

New grief and bereavement service for families in Renfrewshire. Visit the website for more information:

Renfrewshire Bereavement Network website
Richmond’s Hope – service to help bereaved children in Glasgow
Visit the Richmonds Hope website
Other Useful Websites

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Eating well during COVID-19

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory infection that affects your lungs and airways. At this time, it is especially important to eat healthily so that our bodies are more able to fight infections such as COVID-19.

If you are worried about your weight or want help to eat more healthily and lose weight, we can help.

The way we shop and eat may have changed during COVID-19 restrictions. This may mean having to cook more on a tighter budget, feed children during school closures, or relying on others to do the shopping.

Key Messages

Overweight or have type 2 diabetes?

If you are overweight or have type 2 diabetes, it is important to follow a healthy diet.

Having Diabetes does not mean you are more likely to catch coronavirus (COVID-19). However, if you do catch coronavirus (COVID-19), it can cause more severe symptoms and complications. Diabetes UK provide specific advice for people with diabetes, their family and friends.

For people with diabetes or a BMI of 40 or above it is very important to maintain a healthy weight or lose some weight. This may seem very challenging due to the current restrictions but there are lots of useful resources to help (see information in the boxes below).

Glasgow and Clyde Weight Management Services are targeted at adults, aged 18 and over, with existing health conditions that will be improved by losing weight. If you have:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart Disease
  • Have previously had a Stroke
  • Have a BMI of >30

You can self-refer to the weight management service by calling 0141 211 3379 or completing our online referral form.

For young people between 12 to 18 the Weight to Go programme is currently operating a waiting list.

Eat well to keep you and your household healthy

At this time, it is especially important to eat well and be a healthy weight to keep you and your households healthy.

You may be preparing and cooking more meals at home. Food Standards Scotland has useful information on food safety to help make sure the food you cook and eat won’t do you any harm.

If you are looking for meal ideas that are low cost, quick and easy to prepare Eat Better Feel Better recipes are free to access and also has meal planners and cook-a-long videos. Love Food Hate Waste also have lots of recipes and information and tips on reducing food waste.

Information on the benefits of a healthy diet can be accessed on NHS Inform Food and Nutrition.

Practical help and great resources to help you lose weight are available. Have a look at our Eat Well Feel Good Look Great Lose weight practical guide or try the new NHS Inform 12 week online weight management programme.

Keeping active during this difficult time can be challenging, but help and advice on staying active and well is available.

Help with getting food is available in your area

This is a challenging time and will cause worry for some households. We have gathered local information on the COVID-19 response to food. It provides information on how to access food including the newly established community hubs, food aid, meal providers, information for specific groups such as shielded households and those entitled to free school meals.

Find information and support to access food in your area.

COVID-19 might affect you financially. Our Money Worries page provides information about COVID-19 and your finances, changes to benefits claims and the support services available.

Pregnant women and families who have children aged up to three years old on low income might be entitled to Best Start Food benefits.

Vitamin D for those shielding or self-isolating

Many people are being asked to stay at home if they are shielding or self-isolating. During these measures you may want to take a vitamin supplement containing vitamin D.

The Scottish Government are currently advising people to stay at home. This may mean staying indoors for much of the day which could result in not getting enough Vitamin D from sunlight. During stay at home restrictions, guidance on vitamin D has been revised to reflect the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. National information on shielding can be found on the NHS Inform site.

Everyone (including children and pregnant and breastfeeding women) should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D. This is especially important for people who are indoors all of the time for bone and muscle health. More information is available via the Scottish Government website.

Vitamin D supplements can be purchased at most supermarkets and pharmacies. If you are self-isolating or shielding and are unable to go to the shops help is available in your area.

All pregnant women are entitled to free Healthy Start vitamins, which contain Vitamin D from your midwife. Women and children who qualify for the Best Start Foods scheme in Scotland can get free Healthy Start vitamins containing the recommended amounts of vitamin D from your community pharmacy. Healthy Start vitamins are also available to purchase if you do not qualify for Best Start Food

People aged 70 or older are more at risk

People aged 70 or older are more at risk from COVID-19 and should follow social distancing measures to keep safe.

Age Scotland has compiled advice for older people and their families on how to avoid exposure to the virus, and includes advice on shopping. Age Scotland also have a helpline Telephone: 0800 12 44 222.

Local community support is also available for those who require assistance to access food and support. Please see our local information and support.

Support for patients who have had COVID-19

Support is available for anyone who has been hospitalised due to COVID-19.

Our Support and Information Service (SIS) provides support and information on a range of issues including money advice, energy and carers support. We also provide an emergency food discharge pack for vulnerable inpatients being discharged from QEUH, GRI and RAH who either have no food at home or are unable to food shop due to COVID-19.

We will also make onward referrals to services providing food shopping and medicine deliveries.

Feeding your baby

Find out more about feeding your baby and starting solids.

Staying active and well

The health of the public remains a top priority as we respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.
We want to encourage everyone to keep healthy during this unprecedented disruption to our daily life. This means taking care of both your physical and mental health.

With this in mind, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has pulled together a number of resources to help you do this.

Resources

Physical activity

As we all follow Government advice to limit our social activities, we can continue being physically active. If you are well, a daily routine which includes physical activity can help you feel less anxious and help you sleep better.

If you are unwell, use all your energy to get better and don’t try to do too much.  When you’re getting better, return to your normal activities gradually.

Get outside

Being outside in the fresh air and green space can help reduce stress and make us feel better. Unless you are self-isolating, you can walk, jog, run or cycle outside on your own, as long as you keep 2 metres (three paces) away from other people.

Walking

Walking is a great simple form of physical activity. Tracking your steps with a pedometer, a fitness tracker or a phone app can help you keep you motivated to stay active.

World Walking – Download the free app or visit the website and try to virtually walk your way around a number of routes from across the world.

Visit worldwalking website

Active 10 App – free app to help you get into the habit of walking briskly for 10 minutes every day. You can also connect with other others to spur each other on.

NHS UK Website
For those self-isolating and well

You don’t need a gym or special equipment to be active, there are lots of things you can do at home to help you stay active. 

Children and young people

These online activities are designed for kids to get active, but can be used by the whole family:

NHS – 10 minute shake-ups
BBC – Supermovers
Cosmic Kids

Mental Health

It’s important to take care of your mental health during this period.

You can do so by staying connected with friends and family, taking breaks from the news, and finding ways to relax. You can find more information on the SAMH website.

The Scottish Government has also launched the Clear your head website providing tips and ideas to help you look after your mental wellbeing.

Additional resources

Mindfulness

There’s little doubt that the days ahead will be challenging both mentally and physically for all of us. Pressure of this type can help us perform at our best, with focus and skill, however we also need ways to take care of ourselves, and to balance the effects of stress.

No matter how experienced or calm we are, a crisis like this will activate our fight and flight response to threat. This is completely normal. Our threat system is programmed to protect us in a short term emergency. However when the cascade of activity triggered in our fight or flight system goes on at a high level for a lengthy period it can cause us significant health issues, can lower our immunity and lead to burnout. We can feel panic and want to run, perhaps become nippy and irritable, or simply freeze and want to hide. These are all normal reactions in intensely stressful situations.

Mindfulness can help us notice when our stress levels are becoming more toxic. We can learn how to create a pause, even for a few moments, and check in with ourselves. We can cultivate skills to help us step out of automatic and really notice how we are in any moment. This can help us respond appropriately to the challenges of a constantly changing situation. Mindfulness can also strengthen our ability to fully focus on one thing at a time, doing the best we can. A mindful pause can help when we need to make decisions and to know when to ask for help.

The STOP process can act as a foundation to finding a mindful pause:

Stop! Tune in to the soles of your feet contacting the floor, noticing the feeling of pressure and support even if your feet are aching. This can help with a sense of steadiness and grounding…arriving in the present moment. Your feet are as far away as possible from a racing mind.

Take a few slower and deeper breaths, as best as you can, doing this gently without a sense of forcing or intensity. If it helps you may like to count to 4 as you breathe in and then out, noticing if you can begin to lengthen your out-breath to 6 or 8.

Observe how you are in this moment, asking ‘How is my body feeling, can I release tension from any part?  Where is my mind, anxiously racing ahead, trying to chase the’ to do’ list, catastrophising? How am I feeling, can I allow myself to feel whatever is here and bring some kindness to myself and others?’

Proceed. The intensity of the situation may not have changed; however, you may be able to relate to it with a little more awareness, steadiness and kindly understanding towards yourself and those around you.

Further support

Center healthy minds
Breathworks-mindfulness
Palousemindfulness.com
Alcohol consumption

With our lives drastically changed, there could be an increase in alcohol consumption for some.

The chief medical officer’s advice for adults aged 18 and over is:

  • To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level it is safest not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis.
  • If you regularly drink as much as 14 units per week, it is best to spread your drinking evenly over 3 or more days.
  • If you have one or two heavy drinking episodes a week, you increase your risk of death from long term illness and from accidents and injuries.
  • The risk of developing a range of health problems (including cancers of the mouth, throat and breast) increases the more you drink on a regular basis.

If you wish to cut down the amount you drink, a good way to help achieve this is to have several drink free days each week.

If you want to find out more information or are looking for advice or support, visit:

NHS Inform healthy living alcohol

Shielding – Support in your local area

East Renfrewshire

Call: 0141 577 3093. The helpline is open Monday to Friday 8.45am – 4.45pm (excluding bank holidays), or email shielding@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk

For clear information on shielding including what it is, who it applies to, how to access help and other FAQs, visit:

East Renfrewshire Council – Coronavirus

Non-shielding residents are directed to the East Renfrewshire Community Hub where volunteers are helping other vulnerable and isolated residents

The Community Hub helpline is 0141 876 9555 and is open Monday to Friday, 10.00am – 3.00pm

East Dunbartonshire

Call: 0800 111 4000. The helpline is open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm. Or email shielding@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Information is hosted on their dedicated Coronavirus web pages: East Dunbarton residents council democracy coronavirus-covid-19.

For clear information on shielding including what it is, who it applies to, how to access help and other FAQs, visit:

East Dunbarton Council – Coronavirus

Residents who require support but are not shielding are clearly directed to the East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action (EDVA) who are working in partnership with the providers of the Older People’s Advice Line (OPAL) to support those who need some extra help.

They can be contacted on 0141 438 2347. The helpline is open 7 days a week from 9.00am – 5.00pm

Glasgow City

Call the helpline on: 0141 276 1185, 7 days a week, 9am – 5pm

Or email: ShieldingResponse@glasgow.gov.uk

For information on shielding visit:

There is an extensive FAQs section on shielding to support residents. 

For those who are not shielding, they are directed to the Community Hub for Glasgow, which has been set up by Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector and the Health and Social Care Partnership. The Hub provides information on local groups and organisations in your area that can provide support for a wide range of activities, including accessing food and picking up medication.

Residents can contact the Community Hub on 0141 345 0543, Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm. Or visit:

Glasgow helps
Renfrewshire

Call the helpline on: 0300 300 0230, 7 days a week, 8.45am – 4.45pm

Or email: Shielding.Support.Referrals@renfrewshire.gov.uk 

The free helpline is available on 0800 111 4000, Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm.

Inverclyde

For shielding information visit:

Inverclyde gov covid-19 shielding

Call the community helpline on: 0800 111 4000, Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.

West Dunbartonshire

Call the helpline on: 01389 738282 (option 5) or visit

Download the Good Practice Points poster

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Lateral Flow Testing

In line with Scottish Government guidance concerning COVID testing, our asymptomatic Community Testing facilities, where members of the public can access free on-site Lateral Flow tests and pick up test kits for home testing, closed on the 14th of April 2022.

If you would like to pick up a test kit before the community test centres close, please visit one of the following sites:

West Dunbartonshire

No test centres available.

East Dunbartonshire

No test centres available.

East Renfrewshire

No test centres available.

Glasgow City

No test centres available.

Inverclyde

No test centres available.

Renfrewshire

No test centres available.

Please note that depending on demand, members of the public may be only be given a maximum of two LFT packs (each containing seven tests) per visit.

Each of the centres works on a drop-in basis, with no appointment necessary. We would like to encourage everyone living or working in the area near one of these testing sites to go along and have a rapid test (you will get a result in 30 minutes or less).

The centres will also advise of support available if you have a positive test so that you can isolate and not spread the infection.

The UK Government testing sites for members of the public who have COVID symptoms and require a PCR test will remain open until the end of April. You can book a PCR test via NHSInform or by using the link sent to you if you are contacted by our Test and Protect team.

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COVID-19 is a viral infection caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. Typical symptoms include fever, loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste (anosmia) or a new, continuous cough. One can have any one or more of these symptoms. In some cases infection can cause serious symptoms, including pneumonia or difficulty breathing, which might require admission to hospital.

Some people with COVID-19 may not have symptoms of the virus or they can be so mild or unusual that they are not recognised as COVID-19, even though they are infected and are infectious to others.

Generally, coronavirus causes more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease. Those who are unvaccinated are also at risk of developing more serious symptoms and being hospitalised.

Visit NHS Inform – for up-to-date information, guidance and FAQs
Visit the Scottish Government website – for the latest updates
Visit the Public Health Scotland website – for the latest guidance
National Infection Prevention and Control Manual

Maternity Services and Wards

For information on attending maternity units, visiting and attending hospital for a scan, please click the below link:

Information for pregnant women and their families

Further information

Information icon to represent about NHSGGC
General advice and guidance
Calendar icon
Patients, Hospital Appointments And Visiting
Lateral flow test icon
Covid testing
Covid-19 vaccination vial and syringe icons
Covid-19 vaccination
Backpack icon representing Give & Go service
Give & Go
Illustrated icon of a single Covid_19 virus
Recovery from COVID-19 advice
Illustrated icon of a globe covered in multiple speech bubbles
COVID-19 Information in other languages
Speech bubble with hand showing the BSL sign for the letter C
COVID-19 Information in BSL

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Emergency social work services provide assessment and intervention in emergency situations to relieve acute risk. We deal with referrals which are too urgent to wait for Social Work Service offices to re-open.

  • 0300 343 1505 (public)
  • 0141 305 6705 (Mental Health)
  • 0141 305 6910 (for health professionals).

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