Flu vaccine uptake above average in Shetland amid ‘steady increase’ in cases
UPTAKE of the flu vaccine in Shetland is above the Scottish average, with more than half of those eligible having had it this winter.
NHS Shetland chairman Gary Robison said 54.3 per cent of those eligible have had the vaccination, equating to just over 5,600 people.
He told a meeting of the NHS Shetland board this morning (Tuesday) that this is above the Scottish average of 50.5 per cent.
Among those eligible are those aged over 65, people who are 18 to 64 with certain health conditions and pregnant women, while school children are also offered ones.
Robinson said the flu season has started early across the country, with a “steady increase” of laboratory confirmed cases being experienced in Shetland.
He said vaccines remain the “best defence”.
As winter continues, the health board chairman also encouraged people to only go to A&E in emergencies.
“We’d like to remind everyone that the emergency department at the Gilbert Bain Hospital is for emergencies only,” Robinson said.
He said people can use NHS Inform symptom checker online, or phone NHS24 – while advice on minor conditions can come via pharmacies.
Robinson added: “To avoid getting ill and preventing the spread of illness, practise good handwashing.
“Washing hands with soap and water regularly is one of the single most important things that everyone can do.”
He also reminded people who have been vomiting or have had diarrhoea not to return to work or school until at least 48 hours after their symptoms have cleared.
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