Dumfries and Galloway’s 70,000 residents eligible for a free flu vaccine are being urged to act early and get protected ahead of winter.
Health bosses are warning that the largest decline in uptake of the vaccine last year was amongst people across the region who have underlying health conditions – yet they are at greater risk of the dangers of flu.
Only 44.1 per cent of residents aged under 65 with a health condition – such as lung or heart disease, liver or kidney problems, and diabetes – went to their GP for a jab.
Now, with a drive to encourage the 20,000 in the region with risky conditions that make them eligible for the free vaccine, the NHS is warning that every year in Scotland, two thirds of people who end up in intensive care because of flu have a health condition.
And people with a health condition are 18 times more likely to die from flu than those without a health condition.
The region’s consultant in public health medicine, Dr Nigel Calvert, said that getting vaccinated isn’t just about protecting yourself.
He said: “Being immunised against strains of the flu helps stop it spreading and means that our communities and loved ones are much less likely to be exposed to the dangers it can pose.”
In a major push to promote the uptake of flu vaccinations in the region, social care staff are being provided with this year’s flu vaccine, which has now arrived in Dumfries and Galloway.
Dr Calvert said: “It’s important to remember that people aged 65 and over and people who have long term conditions such as heart problems, diabetes and asthma, know how important it is to take up the offer of a flu vaccine themselves.
“Children are also, as usual, being offered the nasal vaccine once vaccinations have taken place in schools as a priority.
“The vaccines provide good cover against the types of influenza virus’ that are likely to be circulating so it is well worth getting immunised.”
There are 36,000 over 65s in the region eligible for the protective vaccine this winter and this age category had a 74.7 per cent uptake last year.
Last winter, 46 per cent of no-risk pregnant women had their flu jab, along with 61.8 per cent of at risk mums-to-be.
“There are 1,000 pregnant women eligible for a jab this winter.
Figures for this winter show that across the region 11,000 primary pupils can have the free nasal vaccination and 3,000 pre-schoolers.
Last year, 77.8 per cent of primary age children, and 71.8 per cent of young children had the jab.
