With high levels of flu still circulating in Scotland, Public Health Scotland (PHS) is reminding those eligible to get their winter vaccines as soon as possible. Vaccination offers the best protection against serious illness from flu, as well as COVID-19. Despite this, vaccine uptake is currently lower than it was last winter.

NHS Orkney has a vaccination clinic on Monday 27th January 1.30 to 4.30pm at The Balfour for those who are eligible for vaccination please call 0300 303 5313 to book an appointment at this clinic.

Stromness Surgery is offering those eligible who have not been vaccinated so far this winter to make a nurse appointment to have this done as soon as possible. If you are not sure if you are eligible please phone the Surgery and ask. (All over 65 years are eligible). Phone 01856850205

Cheryl Gibbons, Lead Healthcare Scientist at Public Health Scotland, said:

“Flu can lead to severe illness, particularly for vulnerable groups such as older people, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones and it’s not too late if you’re still to take up the offer. Visit nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines for more information.”

The COVID-19 vaccine is available until 31 January, while the flu vaccine is available until the end of March.

The Number of acute influenza admissions to the Balfour hospital in Orkney: 5 Jan, 5: 12 Jan, 2; 19 Jan, 0.

Since the start of the winter 2024/25 vaccination programme in Scotland, uptake was highest in older care home residents (influenza: 84.4%; COVID-19: 82.4%), and among adults aged 75 years and older (influenza: 80.1%; and COVID-19: 76.3%). 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. Public Health Scotland.

In the week 13 to 19 January  there were 79 deaths which mentioned influenza and it was the underlying cause in 66 of these deaths. 

The provisional total number of deaths registered in Scotland in week was 1,527. There were 9 deaths that mentioned COVID-19. Covid was the main cause in 4 of the deaths.

Fiona Grahame