• Flu 23 - How to rearrange or opt-out of your vaccination appointmentNational Services Scotland, Public Health Scotland

    Rearrange or opt-out of your vaccination appointment

    NHS Scotland will contact you about your vaccination appointments.

    Rearranging your appointment

    This information is for people who want to rearrange an existing appointment. 

    For all coronavirus vaccination appointments for children under 12, you should phone the national vaccination helpline to rearrange.

    If you're trying to rearrange your appointment online and there are no vaccination appointments available, please check again later. The national vaccination helpline will be unable to offer alternative appointments as they use the same online booking system.

    Alternatively, you can attend a drop-in clinic. Check your local health board website or their social media channels to find out if there are drop-in clinics available in your area.

    National vaccination helpline

    Alternatively, you can phone the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013 to rearrange your appointment. The helpline is open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm on Saturday and closed on Sunday.

    Help with logging in

    Even if you have never logged in before, you can find your username on your appointment letter or by using the 'Get your username' option.

    You can then set up a password by selecting the new user option to register.

    If you've lost or forgotten your username, you can recover it by selecting the 'Get your username' option.

    If you've lost or forgotten your password, you can recover it by selecting the 'Forgotten your password' option.

    If you missed your scheduled appointment

    If you have missed your vaccination appointment, you must wait 72 hours after the time of that appointment before you can book a new one via the online booking portal.

    If you're unwell on the day of your appointment

    If you’re unwell, wait until you’ve recovered to have your coronavirus vaccine. You should not attend an appointment if you have a fever or think you might be infectious to others.

    Cancelling your appointment or opting out

    NHS Scotland strongly recommends you get vaccinations when they are offered to you.

    However, if you decide to cancel your appointment or opt-out of getting vaccinated, you should do this online via the booking portal or phone the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013. Appointments for children under 12 can only be cancelled by phoning the helpline.

    You are only opting-out of coronavirus and flu vaccinations under the current programme. In the interest of public health, NHS Scotland would invite you forward for vaccination again if there was a new coronavirus pandemic emergency. But you would be able to opt-out again at that point. If you are eligible for other vaccine programmes, you will still be invited for those.

    Your data will remain on the system, in case you wish to opt back in at any point in the future. 

    If you change your mind after opting-out and want to get vaccinated, phone the appropriate number using the details on this page.

    Choosing how you'd like to be contacted

    You can now update your contact details and your preferred method of contact on the online portal. If you select to receive future correspondence about your coronavirus and flu vaccines by email or SMS then you will no longer receive future letters with this information. Watch the youtube video to updating your personal details and communication preferences.

  • Flu 23 - How to book an appointmentNational Services Scotland, Public Health Scotland

    You may want to take a look at the youtube video - How to book your vaccine appointment online video

    Online booking portal

    You can log in to book using your unique username and password. This is the same as you had for your previous doses of the coronavirus vaccine.

    - You can rearrange your appointment if the time or day doesn't suit you.

    What if I've never logged in before?

    Even if you have never logged in before, you can find your username on your appointment letter or by using the 'Get your username' option.

    You can then set up a password by selecting the new user option to register.

    What if I can't find a suitable appointment?

    If you can't find a suitable appointment, please keep checking as new ones are added regularly.

    Can I book by phone instead?

    The easiest way to book an appointment is online. It takes just a few minutes. Please be aware the helpline only has access to the same appointments on the portal. However, you can phone the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013 to book your appointment.

    How do I recover my username and password?

    If you've lost or forgotten your username, you can recover it by selecting the 'Get your username' option.

    If you've lost or forgotten your password, you can recover it by selecting the 'Forgotten your password' option.


  • Flu 23 - What are the vaccine side effects?National Services Scotland, Public Health Scotland

    Side effects of the flu vaccine

    Like all medicines, the flu vaccine can cause side effects. They're usually mild and normally last only a day or two. It’s normal to experience side effects after a vaccine. It shows the vaccine is teaching your body’s immune system how to protect itself from the disease. But not everyone gets side effects.

    Side effects are usually mild and may include:

    • tenderness, swelling and/or redness at the site of the injection
    • headache
    • muscle aches
    • fever (temperature 38°C or above)

    You may also feel generally unwell. These common side effects are much less serious than developing flu or complications associated with flu, and they usually go away within a few days.

    You can rest and take the normal dose of paracetamol (follow the advice in the packaging) to help make yourself feel better.

    Where can I report suspected side effects?

    You can report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines through the Yellow Card Scheme.

    This can be done by:

    • visiting the Yellow Card Scheme website
    • using the Yellow Card app
    • phoning the Yellow Card hotline 0800 731 6789

    More information about vaccine side effects

    More information on the possible side effects of the flu vaccine is available in the patient information leaflets.

  • Flu 23 - NHS Inform web linksNational Services Scotland, Public Health Scotland

    To read more about the Winter Vaccines please click here to take you to the NHS Inform Website

  • Pre employment - health assessmentsNational Services Scotland, Public Health Scotland

    Many medical conditions and virtually all minor health problems have minimal implications for work and should not be a bar from employment.

    For most jobs no agreed advisory medical standards exist and for many jobs there need be no special health requirements. 

    Where questions about health are included on job application forms this should be only to seek information that may be necessary to enable any modifications to the interview process.  

    The reason for the employment health assessment should be confined to fitness for the proposed job and only medical questions relevant to the employment should be asked.

  • Health Surveillance - When is it required?National Services Scotland, Public Health Scotland

    Criteria for conducting health surveillance includes when:

    • an individual being exposed to a hazardous substance that is linked to an identifiable disease of adverse health effect
    • there is reasonable chance that the disease or adverse health effect may occur under the conditions of work
    • there are valid techniques of detecting the disease or adverse health effect

    Health surveillance is likely to be necessary where there is exposure to:

    • carcinogens—in practice valid tests and techniques do not exist but the a health record is needed
    • dangerous pathogens, e.g., hepatitis B, HIV and TB
    • certain sensitisers, such as  substances that may cause occupational asthma, e.g., laboratory animals, mineral oils, wood dust, solder fumes
    • substances that may cause dermatitis, e.g., latex
    • noise and vibration
  • Health Surveillance - What is it?National Services Scotland, Public Health Scotland

    Health surveillance is a system of ongoing health checks.

    These health checks may be required by law for employees who are exposed to noise or vibration, ionising radiation, solvents, fumes, dusts, biological agents and other substances hazardous to health, or work in compressed air.

    Health surveillance is important for:

    • detecting ill-health effects at an early stage, and ensure better controls to prevent them getting worse
    • providing data to help employers evaluate health risks
    • enabling employees to raise concerns about how work affects their health
    • highlighting lapses in workplace control measures, therefore providing invaluable feedback to the risk assessment
    • providing an opportunity to reinforce training and education of employees (eg on the impact of health effects and the use of protective equipment)

    Risk assessment should be used to identify any need for health surveillance. Health surveillance should not be used as a substitute for undertaking a risk assessment or using effective controls.

    Health surveillance is needed to:

    • protect workers who are at an increased risk
    • identify work-related ill health at an early stage so that steps can be taken to treat the condition and prevent further damage
    • give early warning that protective control measures are no longer effective

    Health surveillance does not reduce the need to eliminate or manage health risks.

    Health surveillance is a particular legal requirement and should not be confused with:

    • activities to monitor health where the effects from work are strongly suspected but cannot be established
    • workplace wellbeing checks, such as promoting healthy living
    • fitness to work assessments such as fitness to drive forklift trucks or health assessments requested by night workers

    Types of Health Surveillance:

    • Animal Allergy - including laboratory animals
    • Hand arm vibration (HAVS)
    • Pathogens or biological agent work
    • Respiratory sensitiser
    • Skin irritants and sensitiser
  • Health Surveillance - Roles and responsibilitiesNational Services Scotland, Public Health Scotland

    Manager responsibilities

    • After a carefully conducted, suitable and sufficient COSHH risk assessment inform OH of the potential need for health surveillance
    • Ensure prompt referral to OH if a member of staff reports ill health symptoms that could be related to their working environment, e.g., respiratory/skin problems
    • Ensure that where reasonably practicable any recommendations from OH are implemented

    OH responsibilities

    • Ensure that health surveillance is undertaken on staff identified as requiring it and at the appropriate level, e.g., one off registration for carcinogen work or initial face-to-face assessment and follow up assessment for laboratory animal workers. The level of health surveillance will depend on the assessed health risk of exposure and individual susceptibility.
    • Report the results of all health surveillance carried out and maintain the COSHH Health Record
    • Report any occupational diseases identified through health surveillance to the manager for Accident and incident reporting and investigation through for reporting to the Health and Safety Executive under the Reporting of Injuries, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)
    • Maintain a recall system to ensure that the named contact person is advised when an individual's health surveillance is due as well as supplying information about non-attendees

    Employee responsibilities

    • Comply with the health surveillance programme
    • Early reporting to management and OH any possible work related ill health symptoms
  • Health Surveillance - What needs to be included in a record of health surveillance?National Services Scotland, Public Health Scotland

    What needs to be included in a record of health surveillance?

    Record:

    • The persons name and National Insurance number
    • The substance they are exposed to, and when (start date, frequency of use)
    • The surveillance test that is done on them, and the tester
    • The outcome e.g. passed / retest / failed (but not the test data).

    Remember that a Health Surveillance record is different to a medical record.

    Medical records are generated by a health professional, namely a Dr or Nurse, who is competent as regards the hazard, risks and likely health effects. The information contained in a Medical Record depends on the nature of the medical carried out. ALSO the Medical Record is medical-in-confidence material and it is the responsibility of the health professional that has created it to ensure that nobody else gets access without informed consent from the individual whose medical record it is.

    Further information on health surveillance overview is available.

  • Making a Referral - If I divulge confidential health information to the OH doctor or nurse, will my manager be informed?National Services Scotland, Public Health Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, NHS Education for Scotland

    No definitely not.

    If the referral has been made by your manager information reported back to your manager is on a need to know basis only and only answers the specific questions that have been asked and that you will already be aware.

    Information reported back to your manager is factual advice that is given with you informed consent and is focused on achieving the best way forward to manage your health problem at work.

    If the referral is initiated by you but following assessment workplace changes are deemed to be necessary to accommodate your health condition, then we would fully discuss how this could be managed with you before talking to anyone else

  • Making a Referral - Do I have to agree if my manager wants to refer me?National Services Scotland, NHS Education for Scotland, Public Health Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service

    Unless clearly stated in your contract or as part of the sickness absence policy then you don't have to attend.

    However if you decline the offer of an assessment by and occupational health doctor or nurse then your manager will have to manage your case without the benefit of you both receiving appropriate occupational medical advice and support.

  • Making a Referral - My manager wants to refer me to Occupational Health (OH) for an assessment but I am not sure exactly why. What should I do?National Services Scotland, NHS Education for Scotland, Public Health Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service

    If your manager is suggesting that you are referred to OH for an assessment and advice as part of managing ill health or performance they are likely to be being proactive in seeking specific advice in how to manage any health condition that you may have in relation to your work.

    It is however imperative that they first discuss this with you so that you are clear about the reason and benefits of the referral and any specific questions being asked. If this has not been explained to you by your manager then please ask him/her to do so. The Management Referral Form has been designed to assist with such a referral and should be completed by your manager and the consent form signed by you

  • MyCohort - What web browser should I use?National Services Scotland, Public Health Scotland, NHS Education for Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service

    MyCohort performs best on Edge or Chrome and is also compatible with IE but does face issues when launched on Firefox.

  • MyCohort - How to I book/ manage my appointments?National Services Scotland, NHS Education for Scotland, Public Health Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service

    You will need to have completed your self-registration to get access to the system, refer to the How do I get access to MyCohort FAQ.

    Once you have successfully registered please watch this short video on how to view, book and manage your appointments.

    Please Note - as we use National Health Boards to deliver services this option may not be available at this time

  • MyCohort - How do I cancel and rebook my appointmentNational Services Scotland, NHS Education for Scotland, Public Health Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service

    If you need to cancel and re-book your appointment then please watch this short video on how to book, view and cancel your appointment.

    Please Note - as we use National Health Boards to deliver services this option may not be available at this time

  • Fitness for work assessmentsNational Services Scotland, NHS Education for Scotland, Public Health Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service

    The primary purpose of health assessment fitness for work is to make sure that an individual is fit to perform the tasks involved effectively and without risk to their own or others’ health and safety. 

    It is not the intention to exclude a person from a job but to make any necessary reasonable modifications or adjustments to the job to allow the person to work efficiently and safely.

    Why an assessment may be needed:

    • the individual’s health condition may limit or prevent them from performing the job effectively (e.g. musculoskeletal conditions that limit ability)
    • the individual’s condition may be made worse by the job
    • the individual’s condition may make certain jobs and work environments unsafe to them personally (e.g. liability to sudden unconsciousness in a hazardous situation, risk of damage to the remaining eye in an individual with monocular vision)
    • the individual’s condition may make it unsafe both for themselves and for others in some roles
    • the individual’s condition may pose a risk to the community (e.g. infection transmitted by a food handler)

    When an assessment may be needed:

    Assessment of medical fitness may be needed for those who are:

    • being recruited for the first time (depending on work exposures)
    • being considered for transfer to a new job (depending on work exposures)
    • returning to work after significant or prolonged illness or injury
    • undergoing periodic review relating to specific requirements (e.g.health surveillance)
    • being reviewed for possible retirement on grounds of ill-health

    An assessment may be needed to help both the employer and the employee but should be directed at the job in question.  In all situations there is a legal requirement to consider ‘reasonable adjustment’ if the individual has a disability within the definition of the Equality Act 2010 and it is good practice to do so in any case.