Question reference: S5W-32181
- Asked by: Neil Bibby, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 30 September 2020
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Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 12 October 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has a target for the level of flu vaccine uptake among over 65s, and what it is doing to promote uptake of the flu vaccine among this group.
Answer
The Scottish Government aims to vaccinate more people within groups with existing eligibility than ever before. Scotland has a reputation for high seasonal flu vaccine uptake and our working assumptions for the 65 years and over is 75% for this year’s flu season, which is in line with the World Health Organisation guidance. Those over the age of 65 are at high clinical risk from seasonal flu, therefore Scottish Government will seek to utilise vaccine supply in a way which allows as many of this group as possible to be vaccinated.
The Scottish Government have developed our public health marketing campaign for this flu season, which is firmly based on research and insight on effective messaging in light of Covid-19. This extensive campaign will also involve close partnership work with public, private and third sector organisations to amplify our message.