News round-up / Children’s flu vaccine delay, wasted trip for rugby team, Herkja EP launch
PUPILS in some of Shetland’s primary schools will be late in receiving flu vaccinations due to a nationwide issue with the supply of a vaccine.
NHS Shetland public health consultant Dr Susan Laidlaw said that the delay is being enforced to give priority to children who are at most risk – those aged two to five and those with underlying health conditions.
The problem stems from issues with the supply of children’s nasal flu vaccine Fluenz. Adult supplies of the flu vaccine are not affected.
“This situation is affecting all boards, and unfortunately there is nothing we can do to speed up our vaccine deliveries. We have already vaccinated more than 700 children in school and, as soon as there is a sufficient supply available, vaccination of school-aged children will continue,” Laidlaw said.
She added that in most years flu does not start circulating in the community before December, and it is often later in Shetland. “Once the vaccines arrive we will move quickly to vaccinate all the remaining eligible children,” Laidlaw said.
THE SHETLAND rugby team had something of a wasted trip to Aberdeen at the weekend after shelling out on flights only to have their match called off because their counterparts could not field a full team.
The men’s team was due to play a Gordonian second 11 on Saturday – but the fixture was called off at the last minute as the mainland team only had eight available players on the day.
Shetland Rugby Club (SRC) is said to have spent £3,500 on flights and accommodation.
Gordonians said it contacted SRC on Friday night to say it had 11 players and was short on numbers.
It is understood the game may have to be replayed instead of points being awarded to Shetland, although discussions will continue with the Scottish Rugby Union.
RISING folk band Herkja are set to launch their debut EP with a gig in Lerwick next month.
The local group – who feature Jenny Sturgeon, Lana Elaine, Lyn Anderson and Martha Thomson – will perform at The String on 14 December in the afternoon.
People eager to pick up a CD copy of the EP before then, however, will get a chance to do so at Herkja’s upcoming Oot and Aboot tour gigs, which are being held across Shetland alongside Freda Leask and Haltadans.
The three acts will perform at the Skeld Hall on Friday (15 November) before heading to the Burravoe Hall in Yell the following night and the Bigton Hall for a matinee performance on Sunday.
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