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| Vaccine shortage lowers jab rate | Vaccine shortage lowers jab rate |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| A shortage of flu vaccine triggered a drop in people getting vaccinated, according to new NHS statistics. | A shortage of flu vaccine triggered a drop in people getting vaccinated, according to new NHS statistics. |
| By the end of November, 54% of over-65s had received the flu jag compared to 70% last year. | By the end of November, 54% of over-65s had received the flu jag compared to 70% last year. |
| The figures showed that less than a third of those in younger at-risk groups had received the vaccination. | The figures showed that less than a third of those in younger at-risk groups had received the vaccination. |
| However, doctors said Scotland had received the remainder of its vaccine order last week and the majority had now been given to patients. | However, doctors said Scotland had received the remainder of its vaccine order last week and the majority had now been given to patients. |
| The news comes as Scotland's chief medical officer issued a reminder to elderly and vulnerable people to stock up on prescriptions, register for the free flu jab and wrap up warm over the festive period. | The news comes as Scotland's chief medical officer issued a reminder to elderly and vulnerable people to stock up on prescriptions, register for the free flu jab and wrap up warm over the festive period. |
| Flu has not really struck yet this year so it's not too late to get vaccinated against it Dr Harry BurnsChief medical officer | Flu has not really struck yet this year so it's not too late to get vaccinated against it Dr Harry BurnsChief medical officer |
| As most GP practices will be closed for two four-day periods during Christmas and New Year, Dr Harry Burns advised that prescriptions for any repeat medication are collected in time. | As most GP practices will be closed for two four-day periods during Christmas and New Year, Dr Harry Burns advised that prescriptions for any repeat medication are collected in time. |
| He said: "Flu has not really struck yet this year so it's not too late to get vaccinated against it. | He said: "Flu has not really struck yet this year so it's not too late to get vaccinated against it. |
| "Anyone who is 65 or over, or in an at-risk group, should contact their GP practice to get an appointment for their free flu jab. | "Anyone who is 65 or over, or in an at-risk group, should contact their GP practice to get an appointment for their free flu jab. |
| "Flu can have serious consequences, possibly resulting in a stay in hospital. Taking the vaccine will offer much better protection." | "Flu can have serious consequences, possibly resulting in a stay in hospital. Taking the vaccine will offer much better protection." |
| Vaccine available | |
| The British Medical Association (BMA) Scotland also urged patients over 65 and those at risk to make an appointment with their GP. | |
| BMA Scotland chair Dr Dean Marshall said: "Most GP practices should now have a good idea when they will have enough vaccine available to immunise their elderly and at risk patients. | |
| "It is important for these groups of patients to protect themselves from flu." |
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