The NHS are planning an expanded seasonal flu vaccination programme to reach more people.
And a report for Dumfries and Galloway Council has revealed that ‘close to 100k residents being potentially eligible for a free vaccination’.
Details of those eligible have not yet been finalised and circulated but the Scottish Government have confirmed they will initially target over 55s, potentially adding the 50-54 age group at a later stage when there is spare capacity.
Meanwhile, the council is trying to build up its own vaccine stocks to be able to immunise their whole workforce.
Preparing for a flu outbreak is part of the local authority’s winter planning and will be discussed by councillors at a meeting next week.
In his report for that meeting, manager Richard Grieveson said: “Seasonal flu is another significant factor which could place an increased demand on health and social care services and potentially result in disruption to services as a result of self-isolation as well as increased demand for testing due to the similarities in symptoms with Covid-19.
“Planning for winter in Dumfries and Galloway normally has a particular focus on severe weather events we may face. Whilst this undoubtedly remains a risk and our well established multi agency arrangements remain relevant for this, Covid-19 brings some additional challenges.”
He noted the continued presence of the virus in communities, adding: “The most recent outbreak in Aberdeen clearly demonstrates the impact future outbreaks could have on local communities, with the re-imposition of restrictions which would directly impact on the public and local businesses, as well as the council itself and partners.
“We must remain vigilant to this risk and be able to quickly prioritise the response to any local outbreak or wider resurgence in cases within Dumfries and Galloway.”
Officials continue to plan for the autumn and winter period and for a possible resurgence of cases.
