Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Recent data from Scotland reveals a significant reduction in flu cases over the Christmas period. According to Public Health Scotland (PHS), laboratory-confirmed influenza cases dropped to 751 in the week ending 28 December, representing a 43% decline from the previous week’s total of 1,317. This marks the third consecutive week that the number of cases has decreased following a surge in early December.
Alongside the fall in flu cases, hospital admissions related to influenza have also seen a notable decrease. The number of acute influenza admissions fell by 38%, dropping from 716 to 445 in the most recent reporting week. These figures are currently provisional but indicate a downward trend in severe cases requiring hospital care.
Despite these encouraging signs, vaccination rates remain inconsistent across different groups. PHS highlights that individuals working in health and social care settings, who are at greater risk of contracting and transmitting the virus, have some of the lowest uptake rates among eligible vaccination groups. As of 21 December, less than 18% of social care workers and just under 42% of health care workers had received their flu vaccine. Similarly, uptake among people aged 18 to 64 who are at risk hovered around 38%. In total, about 1.4 million flu vaccines were administered to adults in Scotland by this date.
Public Health Scotland continues to urge everyone eligible to receive their flu vaccination as soon as possible. Eligibility in Scotland includes all adults over 65 and individuals aged 18 to 65 who are classified as at risk. However, certain groups who were included during the pandemic—such as those aged 50 to 64, teachers, and prison officers—are no longer eligible for free NHS flu jabs. Children between two and five years old, as well as school-aged children, are offered immunisation via a nasal spray. People eligible for the vaccine should have already received an invitation to book their appointment, but those who have not can find further information through NHS Inform. For those not eligible for the free NHS vaccination, private options are available at pharmacies for approximately £18 to £20
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.