VACCINATIONS against winter flu began on Monday.

Invitations to book or attend an appointment have already been sent out by post to those eligible for the flu vaccine.

As a precautionary measure, Public Health Scotland (PHS) and the Scottish Government are working with health boards to consider bringing winter vaccinations forward for those at highest risk of becoming seriously ill from flu and Covid-19.

They include care home residents, those aged 75 and over, and those with weakened immune systems, who were initially set to receive their vaccinations from mid-October.

The change is being made following the confirmation of the newly identified Covid-19 variant of interest, BA.2.86.

To prevent the spread of flu and Covid-19, PHS continues to advise those with respiratory symptoms to stay at home, and to wash hands regularly.

Dr Nick Phin, director of public health science at PHS, said: “While we are not concerned about the current levels of Covid-19, the identification of BA.2.86 in Scotland means that we are now working with health boards to ensure those most vulnerable to illness are protected this winter.

“Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from serious illness and those eligible are encouraged to book or attend their appointment when invited to do so.”

For more information, go to www.nhsinform.scot/winter-vaccines