VERY little evidence of flu cases is being recorded in the region – with the majority of the most vulnerable people having already received their vaccination.
Great progress with the rollout of flu vaccinations alongside COVID-19 booster jags means that 85.8 per cent of people aged over 70 have now been vaccinated.
Immunisation Co-ordinator Dr Nigel Calvert said: “We’re delighted both at the speed of the flu vaccination campaign this year and also by the public uptake.
“In Dumfries and Galloway, we’re seeing a really strong uptake from people for their flu vaccination and, where eligible, their COVID-19 booster jag at least six months after their second.
“This provides the highest degree of protection possible as we head towards winter months and the double danger posed by COVID and more conventional respiratory illnesses.”
Great progress is continuing in the vaccination roll-out, with those in their 60s now receiving invitations to attend.
Very shortly, information will be provided for people aged 50 to 59, unpaid Carers and household contacts of those severely at risk, who as part of a national approach will be required to register via an online portal or by national telephone line for an appointment for their flu and COVID-19 booster vaccination.
The vaccination roll-out is now being supported by the military, with six personnel having been newly assigned to support Dumfries and Galloway.
Hailing the addition of five healthcare support worker equivalents and a practitioner, Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “The addition of these six military personnel to our vaccination teams is hugely welcome.
“We’re now quite well advanced in our COVID-19 booster programme as we start vaccinating those in their 60s, and look ahead to those remaining aged 50 and above.
“However, it has and continues to prove extremely challenging in terms of staffing and ensuring access to venues, so the addition of these professionals to our teams is fantastic and will make a very big difference.
“We’re delighted to have them with us, and hope that people in Dumfries and Galloway will reciprocate by continuing to take up vaccination opportunities as they are presented.”
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