Health fears after poor flu jab uptake
Less than half of people most at risk from flu in Forth Valley have taken up the offer of a flu jab this year.
Scotland’s deputy chief medical officer issued a call for people at risk of flu to get their flu vaccine as early as possible last year.
However, that latest uptake figures for Forth Valley area highlighted that just 47 per cent of those who are at risk from flu due to an underlying health condition had had the jab since the start of the national flu immunisation programme in October 2016.
Dr Gregor Smith said traditionally the number of cases of flu can increase during January and February.
Highlighting that flu is very infections and can be serious, he urged those with health conditions such as heart problems, asthma or diabetes to make getting the flu vaccine a priority.
Latest uptake figures in Forth Valley reveal that only 48 per cent of pregnant women not in `at risk’groups and 75 percent of those over 65 have received their flu vaccination.
The vaccination is being administered by GP practices until the end of March which will see over two million people across Scotland offered the jab this winter.
Statistics show that over the last five years around 500 deaths in Scotland have occurred each winter which can be attributable, or related to, flu.
Dr 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.
“If you are eligible to receive the vaccine and not had it yet, definitely do so, it only takes a few minutes and can protect for up to a year so really is the best defence against flu.
“People with underlying health conditions are extremely vulnerable to viruses such as flu.
“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.”