Full allocation of flu vaccine ready for use

Members of the public eligible for a free flu vaccine were this week urged to get themselves innoculated if they hadn’t already done so.

An NHS Forth Valley public health consultant has joined Scotland’s chief medical officer in warning vulnerable members of the public about the “seriousness of flu.”

NHS Forth Valley’s child flu vaccination programme, which stalled last month due to a shortage of supplies of vaccine, is now said to be well underway again.

Last month, the Observer reported a shortage of the Fluenz Tetra nasal flu vaccine for children.

However, NHS Health Scotland says all remaining supplies have now been delivered and are available for use in Scotland.

NHS Forth Valley consultant in public health medicine, Dr Henry Prempeh said: “Vaccination provides the best defence against flu and protecting children can also stop it spreading to family, friends and others.”

Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood added: “Flu can be extremely serious for those who are vulnerable and is very infectious.

“We can best protect the people of Scotland by encouraging everyone eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

“Not only will you protect yourself, but you’ll also be playing a part in helping stop the spread of the virus this holiday period.

“We have done everything possible to minimise any disruption caused by the UK-wide delay in supply of the Fluenz vaccine and the full allocation for Scotland has now been delivered.

“NHS boards are working with partners to ensure all primary school children get their flu vaccine as soon as possible and will let parents and schools know about local arrangements.”

Those eligible are: two- to five-year-olds and children not yet in school (children must be aged two on September 1, 2019); anyone over six months with a health condition; over 65s; unpaid carers and healthcare workers. Primary children are immunised in schools.