News that GPs in NHS Highland will once again carry out routine vaccinations has been welcomed, as the SNP Government was accused of “dropping the ball” on flu vaccinations.
MSP Jackie Baillie, who urged the Scottish Government to decentralise vaccination programmes under NHS Highland control, has backed the change.
It comes after GPs operating within the Helensburgh & Lomond area called for the reversal of the centralised vaccination programme.
Flu vaccination uptake, currently being blamed for a crisis in Scottish hospitals, has slumped dramatically in Scotland since 2022/23 when programmes were centralised for health board delivery.
Data shows that seasonal flu jab uptake, which soared close to 1.9 million in 2022/23, has dropped closer to 1.2million in 2024/25.
Uptake is poorest amongst the 18 to 64 at risk group and health care workers.
First Minister John Swinney defended his record at First Minister’s Questions in Holyrood this week and blamed the recent flu outbreak for overcrowding in hospitals.
It comes on the back of the Royal College of Nursing’s damning report on hospital care, published last week.
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie said: “The First Minister is blaming hospital chaos on the flu but the reality is that today’s NHS crisis is the result of years of his government’s failures.
“Worst still, the SNP has dropped the ball on flu vaccinations, meaning there is even more pressure on our hard-working doctors and nurses at this critical time of year.
“Its clear that we are vaccinating fewer people and we are doing so later than in previous years so there is little wonder that our hospitals are overwhelmed.”
GPs in NHS Highland had warned that elderly people could face travelling long distances for routine vaccinations they would expect to be delivered locally when vaccination arrangements were centralised to health boards.
Most Highland GPs voted against this change to the GP Contract in 2018 due to the impact this would have on rural health care.
MSP Jackie added: “There have been notable problems for people in Helensburgh & Lomond getting vaccinated and many GP practices were keen to be involved, to help with delivery.
“GPs had voiced concerns over the impact the changes would have on rural healthcare.
“ I raised this issue in Parliament, so I am glad that the Scottish Government appear to be waking up to the problem.
“Those who have not yet been vaccinated need to be seen quickly.
“The SNP must act urgently to support our hardworking NHS staff and ensure vulnerable Scots get the protection they need.”
The transcript of Jackie Baillie’s topical question is copied below.
Topical Question Time
Meeting date: 21 January 2025
Jackie Baillie
The First Minister has pointed to the flu outbreak as the reason for the crisis in our hospitals this winter, but that is little wonder when one considers that this year’s flu programme is operating at least a month later than the programme in either of the past two years. Vaccinations are later, uptake is much lower and, consequently, thousands fewer people have been vaccinated.
Some general practitioners, particularly in NHS Highland, have called for vaccinations to return to being delivered by GPs. Does the minister support such a move?
