Schools and community halls will be used to deliver an expanded flu jab programme across Tayside this winter.
Health chiefs say using local venues will help reach older people in remote and rural areas who are too scared – or unable – to use public transport.
And temporary emergency powers will be given to community pharmacists to administer the vaccine, as part of an expanded programme that will target more people than ever before.
Jabs will start in the coming weeks, offering for the first time free vaccinations to social care workers and, from December, people aged 55 to 64.
The difficulties of arranging of a flu vaccination plan during a global pandemic were outlined to members of the Perth and Kinross Integration Joint Board.
Chief Officer Gordon Patterson said: “There is a significant piece of work that is under way to ensure that we have in place sufficient capacity to deliver on an expanded flu immunisation programme.
“This will commence towards the end of this month.”
He said: “We are working closely with colleagues in the NHS in terms of a pan-Tayside approach, but locally we are putting in place our own arrangements.
“We have secured significant capacity through volunteering from our nursing workforce and we are working closely with local GP practices to clarify what contribution they will be able to make. We are also mindful of the potential for community pharmacists to provide some capacity.”
Mr Patterson confirmed to Conservative councillor Calum Purves that village halls and other venues could be used to reach people in remote communities.
Mr Purves said: “Constituents have raised concerns with me that it might be quite difficult for people who are reluctant to go on public transport – either because they don’t want to or because routes have been reduced – to get to pharmacies or doctors to get their flu vaccination.
“I know we have talked about trying to do more things out and about in our communities, and I think it could be really good, whether it’s in community halls or if there are other ways of dealing with it, if we could try and provide some flu vaccinations out in some of the more rural areas.”
Jane Forbes, NHS Tayside’s vaccine project manager said: “With the possibility of Covid-19 circulating alongside flu this winter, in order to protect our most vulnerable population and reduce the impact on our health and social care service, NHS Tayside is planning on vaccinating more individuals than ever before.
“This year’s flu vaccinations will be delivered in a variety of settings including GP practices, hospitals, outpatient departments, schools and local authority venues, care homes and community pharmacies on an appointment basis,” she said.
Those attending for a flu jab will be asked, where possible, to wear a face covering, while NHS staff will be kitted in appropriate PPE.
