Ministers have been urged to extend free flu jabs to those aged 50 and over in Scotland amid “significant” pressures on hospitals due to rising cases.
Asthma and Lung UK Scotland made the call after the Northern Ireland Executive extended vaccinations to those in their 50s in response to what it described as “exceptionally high flu rates”. The charity said the move could alleviate pressure on overstretched health boards.
As it stands, free flu vaccinations are only available to those aged 65 and over in Scotland. It is also only made available to those with eligible conditions or occupations.
Joseph Carter, head of Asthma and Lung UK Scotland, said: “With one of the worst flu seasons in recent years, hospitals across Scotland are at breaking point and now is the time for practical solutions. With flu vaccination uptake low among some eligible groups (2), we are urging Scotland to follow Northern Ireland’s example and use any surplus vaccine stocks to extend eligibility to more people and offer free vaccines to 50-64 year-olds, with immediate effect.
“While the annual NHS winter crisis of course needs longer term solutions, including better year-round care for people with chronic lung conditions, this is action we can take right now using resources that are already available. Vaccinating more people will not only reduce the spread of flu but will also help to protect the most vulnerable – including those with lung conditions who are at seven times more likely to die if they catch flu compared to healthy adults – as well easing the enormous pressures on an overwhelmed NHS.”
The Record told earlier this month how NHS Scotland is still facing “significant” winter pressures as the number of flu cases reached an “extraordinary” level. Statistics showed levels of flu impacting 50.1 people per 100,000 of the population.
Some 98% of positive lab tests were found to be influenza A, while there was a 65% rise in the number of hospital admissions due to the illness in the week up to December 22 compared to the previous week.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “The NHS continues to face significant winter pressures, including cases of Influenza A, which remain very high. I am enormously grateful to all those working in health and social care settings for their extraordinary efforts over the busy festive period.
“I was encouraged to hear about the collaborative working right across the system, with strong leadership and staff supporting each other. I want to thank the public, too, for taking heed of messages about accessing the right care in the right place, and taking steps to help slow the spread of infection.
“It is important for everyone to be familiar with the different resources available, including NHS Inform’s online tools that can help you to get appropriate health advice as quickly as possible.”
The Record has approached Public Health Scotland for comment.
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