Build up flu vaccination rates (Dumbarton Liberal Democrats)

Dumbarton Liberal Democrats <anisbet@aniscon.com>

Build up flu vaccination rates

August 31, 2010 5:36 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Commenting on official figures into influenza, which have been influenced by 2009's swine flu outbreak, Liberal Democrat Public Health spokesperson Jamie Stone MSP said:

"It's unsurprising that GP consultation rates about flu went through the roof last winter. NHS staff performed admirably under serious pressure.

"I am however, disappointed, that the vaccination rate didn't get higher than 75%.

"The SNP must fight the urge to indulge in back patting for hitting the target, because it still left a quarter of the elderly population unvaccinated. Similarly, almost half of those under 65, who were assessed as being at risk, didn't get the vaccine.

"Given the publicity around the swine flu outbreak, public knowledge of flu and vaccinations must have been at an all time high. It's worrying that vaccination rates for standard flu didn't get higher.

"The Scottish Government needs to work closely with health professionals to build the level of vaccination rates, particularly for those under 65 who are considered at risk."