One of Tayside’s leading health experts has urged people to get vaccinated against flu.
Dr Finn Romanes, consultant in public health medicine with NHS Tayside, has called on under-65s to come forward and receive the jab.
Health Protection Scotland figures show that 17 Scots lost their lives to flu in the past week eight of those in health authorities in the east of the country.
Although no further details are available on the deaths in case individuals are identified, it is possible that some or all of the fatalities may have occurred in Tayside or Fife.
With less than 50% of those under 65 having taken advantage of the preventative measure, Dr Romanes has issued an appeal to anyone who has not yet received the vaccine to do so.
He said, “I am still concerned that the latest figures continue to show that just less than half of those under 65 and who are at risk are protected.
“Flu vaccination is easily the best thing you can do to protect yourself and your family over the winter. That is why we are continuing to urge everyone who is in one of the identified risk groups to take up the offer of vaccination as soon as possible, if they haven’t already done so.”
He added, “It’s not too late to call your GP and arrange a flu jab, as there could be some weeks of the flu season to go.”Numbers in expected rangeDr Romanes confirmed that flu appeared to be more prevalent in the region than before, but also urged people not to panic as rates remain within the expected range.
He also said that steps were also being taken to inform pregnant women of the vaccination programme, as they remain particularly vulnerable to flu.
Dr Romanes said, “We would particularly urge those people with respiratory conditions, pregnant women and carers to come forward for vaccination to ensure they are protected against the virus.”
Although no fresh figures emerged from Fife on Thursday, it is understood some 16,000 people in the region have taken up the option of a seasonal flu jab, which also protects against swine flu.
However, Dr Margaret Hannah, NHS Fife’s deputy director of public health, did admit that the uptake was marginally below the national average 47% compared to 49% across Scotland.
Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon echoed the views of Dr Romanes despite 17 deaths, figures for flu-related fatalities were not at exceptional levels.
She said, “Although it is a sad fact that flu claims lives every year and any death from flu is a tragedy, it is important to remember that the number of people who have so far died this season is in line with what we would expect at this time of year.
“Our higher vaccination rates could be playing a valuable contribution in keeping the flu at bay so I am pleased to see that more people who are at risk of complications, including pregnant women, have been coming forward to take up the offer of the jag.”