| Dr Andrew Buist, based in Blairgowrie, said practices in the region were trying to catch up with vaccination uptakes following a Europe-wide delivery delay late last year.
His comments come after calls by Scotland’s chief medical officer for people under 65 with serious diseases to seek vaccination.
“Tayside was as badly hit as all other health boards by the delay in flu vaccine deliveries,” said Dr Buist.
“We are roughly four weeks behind in the deliveries. We received them in December rather than when we normally have them in November.
“What this means is right now we are down on the number of people vaccinated by the same point last year.
“There is a particular problem for those under 65 who may have diseases such as asthma, diabetes or bronchitis.
“They are not more likely to get flu, but if they were to be infected, they are more at risk of suffering serious complications and even being hospitalised.”
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Harry Burns, said, “There is still time for people to protect themselves against this year’s winter flu virus. I would urge people of all ages in ‘at-risk’ groups to contact their GP and make an appointment to have their free flu vaccination.
“Everyone can be affected by flu, but people in at-risk groups are particularly susceptible to the effects and can be ill for a long period of time or develop more serious conditions as a result, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.”
Dr Buist, who is chairman of the local medical committee of the British Medical Association, echoed the appeal.
“We are now trying to get in touch with those people and to urge them to come and be vaccinated,” he added.
“At my practice we have had a fridge full of vaccinations for some time. It is not just a matter of catching up, as the clock is ticking for those not vaccinated.
“The flu can strike at any time, so we need to get in touch with people as soon as possible. The message is to tell people who might be at risk to get in touch with their local practice and that there is a vaccination waiting for them.” |
