Flu jab uptake soaring

Vaccine hits high

Forth Valley flu jab uptake is the highest in mainland Scotland for several categories, including the elderly and primary school children.

Latest figures show 76 per cent over 65s have been vaccinated in the area, compared with a Scottish average of 72 per cent.

NHS Forth Valley Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Dr Henry Prempeh, said, while commendable, there was no room for complacency.

“It’s important to remember we are still in the flu season and I’d like to encourage older people across Forth Valley to take up the offer of a free vaccine at their local GP practice.”

The NHS FV flu immunisation team’s campaign in local primary schools recorded the highest figure in mainland Scotland 78 per cent against a national average of 71 per cent. Carers vaccinated is also tops – 57 per cent against a 45 per cent Scottish average.

Uptake of the vaccine by pregnant women with risk factors is at 68 per cent, compared with a national average of 60 per cent.

In the under 65 ‘at risk’ group FV is currently the second highest in mainland Scotland, with 47 per cent vaccinated against a 43 per cent Scottish average. ‘At risk’ includes those with existing long-term medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and multiple sclerosis, heart and other lung and liver diseases. NHS FV’s immunisation team has also recently started offering the vaccine to patients attending outpatient clinics and the Emergency Department at FVRH.