Uptake of flu jabs lower than same point last year say Tories

Latest figures obtained by the Scottish Conservatives have revealed that 39 percent of over 65s – the most at-risk group – have been immunised, compared to 45 percent at this point in 2017.

In England, that figure is 51.7 per cent.

At First Minister’s Questions today, Scottish Conservative interim leader Jackson Carlaw said all MSPs will have received reports from constituents about problems accessing the jab.

He cited the example of an 85-year-old woman who still had not received their vaccination, and indeed didn’t even have a date for getting it.

READ MORE: Thousands of Scot risk as pharmacies run out of flu vaccineNicola Sturgeon stated: “This programme is going well,” going on to add that the raising of this vital issue was an attempt to “undermine public confidence”.

Scottish Conservative interim leader Jackson Carlaw said: “The figures are clear that far fewer people in the at-risk groups are getting their flu jab than last year.

“We know anecdotally from all across Scotland that there have been supply issues, and clearly more needs to be done to ensure everyone who needs a vaccination gets one.

“We’re now entering the closing phase of November, and people really need to get this before it’s too late.

“The SNP government has had all year to get ready for this, and still we’re having to raise very serious concerns.

“Nicola Sturgeon needs to give an assurance to at-risk groups, especially those over 75, that they can access the optimum flu jab before winter really begins to bite.”