NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is reminding the public: if you have mild to moderate flu-like symptoms, please do not attend A&E or visit friends and family in hospital. Doing so risks spreading the virus to vulnerable patients.
Flu season is underway, and hospitals across Greater Glasgow and Clyde are already seeing an increase in cases. To help protect yourself and others:
- Think before you go out. Use our online self-help guides to manage symptoms safely at home.
- Seek local support. If you need medical advice, speak to your community pharmacist. They can review your symptoms and direct you to further care if necessary.
- Call 111 for urgent advice. NHS 24 is available out of hours and can arrange an appointment if required. It’s better to wait in the comfort of your own home and reduce the risk of spreading flu.
Vaccination: your best defence against flu
NHSGGC Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Dr Iain Kennedy said:
“Flu season is here, and we want to ensure that you, your loved ones, and those who are the most vulnerable stay protected.
“The A&E waiting room isn’t the place to be with mild flu symptoms. Not only do you risk spreading the virus to others, but you’ll also have a wait that you could avoid if you were to call 111. They will signpost you to the best place for you while you stay in the comfort of your home, including helping those with more severe symptoms or higher risk of complications to access appropriate care.
“If you have a loved one in hospital and you are experiencing flu symptoms, it is better to miss a visit, than to take the risk of passing it on to them or others around them.
“Overall, the best thing to do to maximise protection from the flu is to get the vaccine if you’re eligible.”
Where to get your flu vaccine
Community Clinics
If eligible, you’ll receive a letter inviting you to one of our 21 community clinics. These are listed here: NHSGGC – Winter Vaccination Programme 2025/26
Community Pharmacies
A list of participating pharmacies is available on the NHSGGC website. Please contact your chosen pharmacy in advance to confirm availability. Locations include:
- Glasgow South
- Glasgow North East
- Glasgow North West
- Renfrewshire
- East Renfrewshire
- West Dunbartonshire
- East Dunbartonshire
- Inverclyde
Mobile Vaccination Unit (MVU)
No appointment needed – just drop in between 10am and 4pm at the following locations:
- Mon 1 Dec: Erskine Sports Centre, Kilpatrick Drive, Erskine, PA8 7AF
- Tue 2 Dec: The Foundry, 101 Main Street, Barrhead, G78 1SW
- Wed 3 Dec: Chapel Street Car Park, Lennoxtown, G66 7DE
- Mon 8 Dec: Gourock Swimming Pool Car Park, Albert Road, PA19 1NQ
- Tue 9 Dec: Knightswood Community Centre, 201 Alderman Road, Glasgow, G13 3DD
- Wed 10 Dec: Ferguslie Sport Centre, 100 Blackstoun Road, Howwood, PA3 1EX
- Thu 11 Dec: Ladyton Shops, Bonhill, G83 9DZ
Find out more at: NHSGGC – Winter Vaccination Programme 2025/26
