Newly-published figures show NHS Forth Valley had the lowest uptake of the flu vaccine amongst health professionals.
Data shows general uptake of the flu vaccine has been falling in Scotland.
The Scottish Government is aiming to increase the number of people getting the vaccine this year.
In 2019, only 43.6 per cent of NHS Forth Valley health professionals were recorded as getting the flu vaccine.
But NHS Forth Valley has insisted it has a “strong track record in delivering the flu vaccination programme” and that its actual figure of health professionals vaccinated is higher than the figure recorded.
A spokeswoman for NHS Forth Valley said: “NHS Forth Valley has a strong track record in delivering the flu vaccination programme and uptake rates in many of the target groups have consistently been above the national average for Scotland (e.g. the uptake rate for over 65s in 2019/20 was 76 per cent above the national average of 74 per cent).”
She added: “We are planning to use peer immunisation this year to help deliver the flu vaccine to staff along with outreach clinics and regular drop-in sessions.
“It’s also important to point out that the figures quoted for health professionals often don’t include staff in the target groups who get vaccinated outwith work and they also don’t include Serco staff based at Forth Valley Royal Hospital who are vaccinated via our staff immunisation programme so the figure recorded for health professionals in our Board is often lower than the total number of staff vaccinated.”
However, in Scotland, the proportion of at-risk under 65s vaccinated against the flu has fallen well below targets in recent years - from 57.5 per cent 2014 to 42.4 per cent in 2019.
The uptake target for the under 65’s “at-risk” group in Scotland is 75 per cent in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) targets. No local authority managed to reach the target in Scotland during 2019.
In 2019 Forth Valley was recorded as vaccinating 44.8 per cent of under 65s in the “at-risk” group which, along with Highland, was the joint second highest recorded figure in Scotland after Orkney with 51.2 per cent.
As well as those already eligible, the Scottish Government is planning to massively increase who can access a free flu jab this winter.
As well as those who can usually have a free jab, a free flu vaccine will be made available to people who live with those on the shielded patient list, social care workers, and people aged 55 and over.
Subject to vaccine availability, the programme may be extended to include those in the 50 to 54-year-old age group.
This latest move is in addition to those previously eligible – over 65s, those with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, children aged between two and five, primary school pupils, healthcare workers and young unpaid carers.
Flu vaccinations in Forth Valley are set to begin in late September/early October this year.
NHS Forth Valley’s GP Clinical Lead, Dr Stuart Cumming, said: “We have been planning for some time how we deliver the vaccine this year. The current pandemic and the need for physical distancing have posed many challenges.
“An appointment system, booking larger premises, the possibility of a drive-through programme and a larger role being played by community pharmacies are some of the options we have been looking at.
“People who are eligible will be notified of what is to happen so if you receive an invite letter please make arrangements to get the vaccine as soon as possible.”
