Question reference: S6W-01602
- Asked by: Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 20 July 2021
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Current status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 11 November 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government by what date it plans to start the roll-out of the 2021-22 flu-immunisation programme, and how many people will be eligible for a free flu vaccination, broken down by eligible groups.
Answer
We are currently working with Public Health Scotland and Health Boards to plan and deliver the 2021-22 Seasonal Flu Vaccination Programme for the autumn.
We welcome the advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation who have indicated that where possible, a COVID-19 vaccination booster programme could run synergistically with the flu vaccination programme. This allows for eligible cohorts to be offered both the flu vaccination and a COVID-19 booster at the same appointment and we are working closely with partners to align the programmes to achieve this where possible (taking into account the minimum 24 week gap required between a 2nd dose and booster).
In light of this advice, we have started this year’s programme on the 6 September aiming to vaccinate over 3 million people, with work completed to identify the eligible group populace. It began with rollout of the childhood and schools programme and Health & Social Care Workers were able to book appointments using the online portal from 21 September. Those age 70 years and over have been sent letters inviting them for vaccination and pregnant women are being offered through maternity services.
Those aged 60-69 years of age are being sent letters from late October inviting them for vaccination and an online self-booking portal is being developed for those aged 50 years and over and unpaid carers to allow people to book an appointment at a convenient time and location allowing greater flexibility during November and December in advance of the anticipated start of flu season.
Cohort | Eligible Population |
65 and over- | 1,101,519 |
Children aged 2-5 who cannot receive LAIV | 877 |
Children Aged 2-5 | 168,209 |
Primary School Aged Children | 421,295 |
Secondary School Age Children less than 18 years | 336,125 |
Under 65 years old in an at-risk group | 773,085 |
Pregnant women(with & without risk factors) | 36,905 |
Health & social care staff | 308,073 |
Unpaid and young carers | 48,600 |
Independent NHS Contractors, (GP, dental and optometry practices, community pharmacists, laboratory staff working on COVID-19 testing) including support staff |
72,919 |
Teachers, support staff, Prison staff and support staff operating the detention estate. | 80,581 |
Prison population (Fluctuates daily – approximate figure provided. Population may also be included in cohorts above.) | 7,500 |
50-54 not at risk | 363,473 |
55-59 not at risk | 356,254 |
60-64 not at risk | 312,366 |
Total | 4,387,781 |
Influenza vaccine data is published by Public Health Scotland and on the 28 October indicated that 944,989 eligible individuals have received their flu vaccine.