BOOSTER vaccinations are being administered at pace in Forth Valley with eligible people receiving their invitations this week.

Covid-19 booster as well as flu vaccines are being made available for people aged 60 to 69 and adults aged 16 and over who have underlying health conditions.

Invitations have been going out via the post this week with appointments taking place at vaccination clinics across the area.

Appointments for people over the age of 60 will start on Monday, November 8, and November 15 for those with underlying health conditions.

People in the highest risk groups, including those over the age of 70 and frontline health workers have already been offered the jabs.

The winter flu and coronavirus vaccination programmes are working together to reduce the risks for both illnesses.

Wherever possible, those eligible for both jabs will receive them on the same say, which is safe to do and takes away the need for two separate appointments, explained NHS Forth Valley.

Fiona Conan, the health board's immunisation team manager, said: "The response from the initial priority groups has been good and we will continue to roll out the vaccines to the other eligible groups over the next few months, in line with national guidance.

"Boosters will be offered to many of the groups who routinely have the flu vaccine to protect people from both illnesses and everyone who is eligible will be offered a vaccination.

"If you haven't received your appointment letter yet, please be patient.

"You do not have to do anything now – you will be contacted, notifying you of your appointment and vaccinations will continue to be delivered until January 2022.

"Flu can be extremely serious and is very infectious and Covid-19 is still circulating widely in local communities.

"I'd therefore urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated against flu and boost their immunity to coronavirus to help protect those most at risk as well as ease pressure on local health and care services over the winter months."

As part of the programme, NHS Forth Valley has administered around 41,500 flu vaccinations and 37,700 third doses of the Covid-19 vaccine during the past month.

Meanwhile, the immunisation team has also been delivering flu vaccinations to children under the age of two who have underlying health conditions, preschool children, all school pupils, pregnant women and healthcare workers.