Today, 12th of November is world pneumonia day.

Local MSP David Stewart, Labour, as his party’s shadow health spokesperson wanted to raise awareness about this potential killer. He lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament to  highlight that it is the world’s leading infectious killer of children under the age of five.

David Stewart said:

” Pneumonia can be a killer for children under 5,but also anyone can catch it especially with the onset of winter and the probability of a winter flu which can be a cause of pneumonia.

“This is why we recommend that those over 65 and those deemed at risk, plus their Carers, get vaccinated against the flu. However, this year in Scotland only those over 75 can automatically qualify for the flu jab because the Scottish Government did not procure sufficient supplies.

“There’s not much can be done about the situation this year, but I hope lessons will be learned going forward.”