As the cold weather continues and many people are unable to afford to heat their homes to an acceptable level with rising household energy bills, including the ending of winter fuel payments for thousands of older people by the UK Labour Government, concern grows over how this may adversely affect health. Flu and Covid Vaccination numbers for those eligible are down from the previous year.
Influenza was the main cause of death for 59 people in Scotland and contributed to the death of a further 12 people, bringing that total to 71 for the week 30th December 2024 to 5th January 2025. Public holidays over the festive period may have affected the registration of deaths so numbers may be higher.
Last week The Orkney News reported that flu hospitalisations were are an ‘extraordinary’ level prompting the Scottish Government Health Minister to Praise NHS & Social Care Staff: 12% Increase in #Flu Hospital Admissions.
The latest data from Public Health Scotland, reports a 39% decrease in flu cases and fewer hospitalisations down from 1,596 in the week ending 29 December to 1,021 in the week ending 5 January.
Locally, however, hospitalisations for flu have increased in Orkney. See table below:
| Health Board of treatment | 22 Dec 24 | 29 Dec 24 | 05 Jan 25 |
|---|
| NHS Ayrshire and Arran | 131 | 140 | 67 |
| NHS Borders | 19 | 13 | 10 |
| NHS Dumfries and Galloway | 57 | 72 | 43 |
| NHS Fife | 105 | 130 | 92 |
| NHS Forth Valley | 107 | 111 | 65 |
| NHS Grampian | 80 | 107 | 85 |
| NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde | 339 | 359 | 249 |
| NHS Highland | 33 | 58 | 12 |
| NHS Lanarkshire | 184 | 205 | 115 |
| NHS Lothian | 144 | 180 | 150 |
| NHS Orkney | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| NHS Shetland | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| NHS Tayside | 181 | 215 | 129 |
| NHS Western Isles | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Golden Jubilee National Hospital | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Scotland | 1382 | 1596 | 1021 |
In the same week there were 103 people in Hospital suffering from Covid, which although is at low levels, is still present in our communities and adding to pressures on NHS Scotland. Eleven people in Scotland died due to Covid in that week. Covid was the main cause in 7 of those deaths.
Vaccination
Vaccination remains the best protection. Since the start of the winter 2024/25 vaccination programme in Scotland, uptake was highest in older care home residents (influenza: 83.4%; COVID-19: 81.5%), and among adults aged 75 years and older (influenza: 79.5%; and COVID-19: 75.9%).
Around two thirds of those at-risk for influenza and three quarters of those at-risk for COVID-19 have not yet been vaccinated. Vaccine uptake is lower for both influenza and COVID-19 for all eligible groups when compared to the corresponding calendar week last year.
NHS Orkney Vaccination Information
NHS Orkney is reminding eligible individuals, including frontline health and social workers who have not yet received their free flu vaccine to get vaccinated before the vaccination offer ends on 31 March. Additionally, those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to get vaccinated before the COVID-19 vaccination programme ends on 31 January.
Flu and Covid appointed and drop in clinics
Appointed clinics and a drop in clinic have been arranged at The Balfour for those who are eligible for vaccination on the following dates.
For the appointed clinics on Mondays, please call the Vaccination Team on 0300 303 5313 to book an appointment at these clinics. For the drop in clinic, please attend at any time as outlined.
Please check in at central reception of The Balfour for all these clinics.
- Monday 13 January – 1.30pm – 4.30pm (please call 0300 303 5313 to book an appointment at this clinic)
- Monday 20 January – 1.30pm – 4.30pm (please call 0300 303 5313 to book an appointment at this clinic)
- Monday 27 January – 1.30pm – 4.30pm (please call 0300 303 5313 to book an appointment at this clinic)
- Friday 17 January – Drop in clinics between 9.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 4.30pm (no appointments needed, simply drop in)
Why get vaccinated?
Having the flu vaccine helps prevent serious illness from flu and passing it on to others. By getting a COVID-19 vaccine you’re likely to have milder symptoms if you catch COVID-19 and recover faster.
Find out if you’re eligible
For more information about who is being offered the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, visit: www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines
Need help?
For additional help or assistance, you can call the local Vaccination Helpline on 0300 303 5313.
For more information about the vaccine and eligibility, please visit: www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines and https://www.nhsinform.scot/flu
Please note the local Vaccination Service has moved within The Balfour. Please make sure you check in for your appointment at Central Reception and they will direct you where to go.
Fiona Grahame