Swinney has flu jab and warns vaccine crucial to protecting NHS this winter
First Minister John Swinney emphasized the importance of vaccination after receiving his flu jab in Edinburgh, highlighting its key role in easing pressure on the NHS this winter.
Vaccination and public health
John Swinney was vaccinated at NHS Lothian’s centre in Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh, by nurse Tina McInnes. He noted that the flu vaccine remains essential for protecting both the public and the healthcare system during the colder months.
- Eligible groups include those aged 65 and over.
- Pregnant women and individuals with certain health conditions.
- Unpaid carers, as well as health and social care staff.
Swinney himself qualifies for the vaccine as an unpaid carer for a family member.
NHS impact and current figures
Last year, around 6,500 people in Scotland were hospitalized with flu, placing extra strain on the NHS. The First Minister reported that nearly one million flu jabs have been administered so far, though hospital admissions from flu have seen a slight uptick.
“There’s 980,000 vaccines have been deployed already, and we are seeing, despite all of that, a slight increase in the level of admissions to hospital as a consequence of flu,” Swinney said.
“We need to be very attentive – that has all been monitored under the health and social care system. A crucial component of this is making sure that we have adequate levels of vaccination to members of the public and our health and social care system are protected.”
Author’s summary
The First Minister urges Scots to get their flu vaccine early, stressing it protects both individuals and the NHS during the demanding winter months.