Less than half claim flu jab
Docs warn of new wave of infection
Health chiefs have issued a warning that not enough atrisk people in East Kilbride and Avondale are getting the free flu vaccine.
The latest figures for Lanarkshire show that just 41 per cent of those who are at risk from flu due to an underlying health condition have taken up the offer of the free vaccine since the start of the national flu immunisation programme in October.
A total of 47 per cent of pregnant women, not in at-risk groups, and 69 per cent of people aged over 65 in the county have received their flu vaccination.
Deputy chief medical officer for Scotland Gregor Smith said: “Cases of flu peak in the winter and more are likely to be seen over the coming weeks so it’s important that people make an appointment with their GP practice as soon as they can.
“If someone is eligible to receive the vaccine and has not had it yet they should definitely do so. It only takes a few minutes and can protect for up to a year so it really is the best defence against flu.
“People with underlying health conditions are extremely vulnerable to viruses such as flu so that’s why it’s so important that they get the vaccine now. The health complications can be serious and in some cases people end up in hospital.
“Pregnant women and people over 65 are also eligible for the vaccine as they are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill should they catch flu.”
Dr Smith cautioned against complacency as traditionally the number of cases of flu can increase during January and February.
He urged those with health conditions such as heart problems, asthma or diabetes to make getting the flu vaccine a priority.
The flu vaccination is being administered by GP practices until the end of March as part of a programme which will see over two million people across Scotland offered the vaccination this winter.
Statistics show that over the last five years around 500 deaths have occurred each winter which can be related to flu.
David Cromie, flu immunisation coordinator for NHS Lanarkshire, said: “If you have a health condition it’s so important that you receive the vaccine as you are at higher risk of complications from flu.
“Anyone who is eligible should make an appointment with their GP practice to get their vaccine.”
The following groups are eligible for the flu vaccine: those aged 65 years of age and over; those with a medical condition which puts them in an ‘at risk’ group such as asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, heart and lung diseases, or autoimmune disorders; unpaid carers; and pregnant women (including those with at-risk conditions).
NHS Scotland workers are encouraged to get the vaccine to help protect themselves, their families, their colleagues and patients who are potentially vulnerable to flu.
Children aged 2-5 and not yet in school will be vaccinated at their GP practice,. Those aged 5-11 will be vaccinated at school during the autumn term.