Child flu vaccination
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NHS Scotland recommends all eligible children should get the flu vaccine to help protect them from influenza (flu).
Eligibility
The flu vaccine is currently offered to all:
- children aged 6 months to 2 years with an eligible health condition
- children aged 2 to 5 years and not yet at school (children must be aged 2 years or above on 1 September to be eligible)
- primary and secondary school children
Important: Help by phone or email
Use these contacts for questions about vaccination clinics, including if you:
- have been asked to book an appointment
- need to rearrange an appointment
- need to cancel an appointment (please let us know so we can offer a place to someone else)
When leaving a message by phone or email, please include your name and address (including postcode). One of the team will get back to you as soon as possible. Leave one message only as this will help the team to get back to everyone quickly.
Call or email our local Service Delivery Centre
phone 0800 032 0339
Available:
- Monday: 9:15am to 5:00pm
- Tuesday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
- Wednesday: 9:30am to 5:00pm
- Thursday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
- Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
You can leave a voicemail outside these hours with details. The line is closed on public holidays.
email nhsh.vaccinationenquiries@nhs.scot
Important: National Vaccination Helpline
The national helpline can also help with flu and COVID appointments.
Call the National Vaccination Helpline
phone 0800 030 8013
Available:
- Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 6:00pm
- Saturday, 9:00am to 1:00pm
Community vaccination clinic locations
A location on this map does not always represent a bookable or drop-in clinic there. Clinics will end, can fill up or be cancelled at short notice. Use this map only to find a clinic location if you need it.
You do not need to book at your closest venue if you don't want to wait. If you're able to travel, you can make a vaccination clinic booking at any available venue outside your local area, where capacity allows.
Important: Child flu vaccine information at NHS inform
Influenza (flu) is an infectious respiratory virus. Symptoms may include a fever, a cough, a headache, and tiredness. Flu can be serious, even for healthy young people.
- Who’s being offered the vaccine?
- Why should I have my child vaccinated?
- How is the vaccine given?
- How will my child be offered the vaccine?
- Possible side effects of the child flu vaccines
- What if my child is ill on the day?
- What if my child misses their flu vaccine?
- Additional information for children with allergies and health conditions
- Information in other languages and formats
Help beat flu with a wee scoosh (video)
The flu vaccine is offered to children and young people aged 2 to 17 years and is usually given as a nasal (nose) spray into each nostril. It’s the safest and easiest way to help protect your child against flu.
What to expect during your flu vaccination (video)
This shows what to expect at your flu vaccination appointment, which is given as a painless nasal spray.
