Jag uptake is down in key group ahead of flu season
Fears have been raised that over 65s in Perth and Kinross are increasingly snubbing a flu shot ahead of the traditional season.
Figures show that the percentage of ‘at risk’ over 65s getting vaccinated dropped dramatically between 2014 and last year.
Analysis by the BBC Shared Data Unit suggests uptake fell across the NHS Tayside region from 57.2 per cent in 2014 to just 41.6 per cent in 2019 - well below the 75 per cent recommended by the World Health Organisation.
The number of nursery pupils being vaccinated also fell from 55.4 per cent in 2017 to 47.2 per cent last year.
Ochil and Perthshire South MP John Nicolson said he was worried by the figures.
He told the PA: “Flu jags are absolutely vital to protect the health of older and vulnerable citizens.
“I am concerned to see a drop in the uptake and I would urge those over 65 or in a vulnerable category to contact their doctor as soon as possible to arrange to have a flu jag.”
Despite the drop in nursery and over 65s, the figure for primary school pupils stayed roughly steady at 69.3 per cent while the number of health care workers rose above 50 per cent for the first time last year.
The news came as NHS Tayside’s outgoing public health chief urged members of the Perth and Kinross public to get their flu vaccine this year to help in the fight against COVID-19.
At a meeting of the NHS Tayside board on Thursday, August 27 Dr Drew Walker said “this year’s is more important than ever before.”
But the health board admitted delivering this year’s flu vaccines is going to be more “challenging than ever” as a result of
COVID-19.
Dr Walker was presenting a report as he attended his last ever board meeting before retiring after 42 years as a doctor and 20 years serving as NHS Tayside’s director of public health.
His report to the board said: “People most at risk from flu are also most vulnerable to COVID-19.
“Planning this year will be more challenging than ever with potential uncertainties over staff availability, and requirements for enhanced infection prevention and control arrangements, including PPE and physical distancing within clinical environments.”
As the PA goes to press the Scottish Government is yet to announce the eligible groups, prioritisation, and financing for the flu programme for 2020/21.
But NHS Tayside is anticipating an increased demand for flu vaccines this year as a result of the pandemic.
While flu vaccination helps reduce pressure on the health and social care system, Dr Walker said it was always a “challenge” to get uptake of the vaccine as high as they would like.
He said: “Although it does not always prevent flu, it invariably reduces the severity of it.”
He added: “I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to receive the flu vaccine this year.
“This year is more important than ever before.”
NHS Tayside’s immunisations team is also closely monitoring updates regarding developments with COVID-19 vaccines
Dr Walker said: “If and when a vaccine becomes available, which could be as early as late 2020, delivery to target cohorts will be a priority of the very highest order for the NHS, and public health will be at the heart of the planning and implementation.”