All eligible Aberdeen residents are being urged to get their flu jag this winter to ease pressure on the NHS.
Scotland led the UK last Winter in flu vaccine uptake among those over 65, with 79.8% of eligible individuals receiving the vaccine, according to the data from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe). This surpassed uptake rates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
As of this Winter, NHS Grampian reports that 53.6% of eligible adults have already received both their flu and covid-19 vaccinations. Residents have until Monday, March 31 to get vaccinated, but Dunbar is urging people to act promptly to safeguard themselves and their communities.
SNP MSP Jackie Dunbar is calling on residents to take up the opportunity to get vaccinated. She said: “Getting vaccinated gives you the best possible protection against flu viruses circulating this winter. The flu vaccine offers strong protection, while the Covid-19 booster reduces the severity of illness and boosts overall protection”.
Eligible groups for both the flu and Covid-19 vaccines include pregnant women, those with certain health conditions, and frontline health workers. Meanwhile, the flu-only vaccine is available to primary and secondary school pupils, unpaid carers, and people experiencing homelessness.
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Dunbar added: “The vaccines will reduce your risk of needing to go to hospital with serious illness and help protect those around you from catching the flu and getting ill.”
With the NHS facing heightened demand during the winter months, the MSP stressed that vaccination is a crucial step to easing the strain on healthcare services. “Getting vaccinated is not only the best way to protect yourself and your family from serious illness this winter, but it will also help to reduce the pressure on the NHS over the busy winter period,” she said.
Aberdeen residents are encouraged to check their eligibility and book appointments as soon as possible.