Covid crisis to impact on NHS flu vaccinations

IAN BUNTING

NHS Lanarkshire expects a number of changes in its winter flu programme due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The health board has red flagged their vaccination programme as “very high risk”.

The Scottish Government is finalising plans to make the flu jab available to more people this winter, potentially anyone over 50, in preparation for a possible second wave of Covid-19.

In official documents, NHS Lanarkshire warns that Covid-related anxiety and increased awareness among the public could lead to a surge in requests for the flu jab, even beyond those added to the eligibility criteria.

The board also raises concerns about staffing and the ability to vaccinate safely taking into account social distancing requirements and said the appointment system would require to be “outsourced”.

It warns: “These factors have the potential to adversely impact on population health and avoidance of hospital admissions during the winter period.”

Dr David Cromie, consultant in public health medicine for NHS Lanarkshire, said: “The Scottish Government has signalled to NHS boards a number of likely changes to the adult flu programme for 2020/21.

“We expect a CMO letter to clarify and formalise the adult flu programme imminently.”

Last month, the UK Government stated that most people in England, about 30 million, are to be offered a free flu vaccine this year.

It is to prepare for a winter that could see the annual flu season coincide with a surge in coronavirus.

The NHS flu programme will add all over-50s, people shielding and those who live with them and children in their first year of secondary school.