THOUSANDS of flu jabs will this year be delivered in schools as well as GP centres in East Lothian.

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership was due to take over administering annual vaccines this year but, after lockdown delayed plans, is now splitting the work with GP partners.

And it is using secondary schools as venues for some of the clinics as it prepares for increased demand.

Krista Clubb, team manager of Community Treatment and Care Services (CTACS), said the first two clinics were held at East Lothian Community Hospital and North Berwick High School the weekend before last, with about 1,500 people vaccinated.

Further clinics have also taken place at Preston Lodge High School, Prestonpans, and Dunbar Grammar School.

Krista said: “The first two clinics went very well, with people who attended very positive.

“We are doing everything to make the clinics as safe as possible with social distancing and we are all wearing PPE.”

GP practices are still overseeing vaccinations for the over-65s and children; however, the health and social care partnership is delivering vaccines for adults under 65 who are in a high-risk category.

And the CTAC team has noticed an increase in people wanting the vaccine this year, amid concerns about coronavirus.

Last year, 16,776 people over the age of 65 were vaccinated in East Lothian and 6,161 people considered to be at risk were also given the jab.

Health chiefs are still waiting for confirmation about whether flu vaccines will be extended to over-55s but insist there is no sign of a shortage of vaccines for East Lothian residents.

Krista said: “We have had no issue with supply and vaccines are available.

“If anyone thinks they might be eligible but have not been contacted they can go on the NHS Inform website at nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/vaccines/flu-vaccine for more information.”