Dr Andrew Buist, Joint Deputy Chairman of the BMA’s Scottish General Practitioners Committee has today [Thursday 10 March 2011], praised colleagues across Scotland for their efforts in ensuring that those most at risk from winter flu were protected with the seasonal influenza vaccine.
Uptake figures published weekly by Health Protection Scotland show that in Scotland, GPs surpassed the new World Health Organisation (WHO) target to vaccinate 75% of over 65s. A target not achieved across the UK.
In Scotland, 75.3% of over 65s received the vaccine, an increase from last year’s figure. Vaccination levels are also the highest ever among the other ‘at risk groups’ (1) and there has been a high uptake for pregnant women.
Dr Buist said:
“I am proud of all of the staff working in Scotland’s GP surgeries across Scotland and I hope that our Government recognises and appreciates the achievements of general practice this winter. Despite horrendous weather conditions, general practice battled on and these figures are testament to the hard work of the primary health care team.
“For most of us, flu doesn’t actually pose any serious risks to our health. Unfortunately, for the more vulnerable, it can cause serious complications and even lead to death. These uptake rates show that general practice protected many vulnerable and ‘at-risk’ people which has reduced both the likelihood of getting flu and the severity of the illness of those who were unfortunate enough to catch it.”
Chief Medical Officer Dr Harry Burns said:
“The high number of people who have received the vaccination this year is a testimony to the GPs across Scotland who have worked hard to ensure those at high risk are protected.
“We should not underestimate seasonal flu, it is a very serious illness and it is important that those at risk get the vaccine as soon as possible – GPs play a vital part in this.
“This year pregnant women were offered the routine seasonal flu vaccination for the first time. Nurses, midwives and GPs worked to ensure that pregnant women knew they were at risk and made sure they were protected. I would like to thank all those who made sure that this was so successful.”
Source : British Medical association