Calls to reinstate north-east vaccination facilities over concerns elderly will miss out on flu jab due to two-hour round trip
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MSP Alexander Burnett has written to NHS Grampian calling on the health board to reinstate a vaccination facility in Ballater and Braemar over concerns that elderly residents will miss out on their flu jab.
The MSP for Aberdeenshire West said some residents aged over 80 are facing a two hour round trip to Banchory to get their flu vaccine, causing “significant distress”.
He has been contacted by worried residents who are unable or nervous to travel and fear they will miss out on the winter flu programme, which started last week.
Flu jabs are being provided at vaccination centres, rather than GP practices, so they can be given at the same time as Covid 19 booster jabs.
Unlike in previous years, many areas across the north-east such as Ballater and Braemar have had the administration of the flu vaccine centralised to a different location.
In a letter to NHS Grampian chief executive Caroline Hiscox, Mr Burnett urged the health board to reconsider its decision to centralise vaccination locations to make the flu jab as accessible as possible.
He said: “For vulnerable groups such as the elderly, getting the flu vaccine is essential for protecting themselves and others this winter and with Covid still present, it’s more important than ever that they get the jab.
“But I’m shocked and extremely concerned to hear the administration of the flu vaccine has been centralised forcing patients over 80 to find a way of making an 80 mile round trip from places like Braemar to Banchory lasting two hours.
“For towns the size of Braemar and Ballater, it’s completely unacceptable to leave elderly residents stranded like this - many of whom have expressed their worry ahead of the upcoming winter.
“It is therefore vital vaccination facilities are set up locally to ensure the most vulnerable don’t miss out on the life-saving winter flu programme.”
In his letter relating to Ballater, Mr Burnett added: “The prospect of undertaking a 40 mile round trip has caused significant distress for my constituents, especially those who cannot drive and are unsure how they will get to Banchory.
“Previously the flu vaccine has always been administered locally in Ballater and clearly the decision to needlessly centralise the administration of the flu vaccine risks constituents not travelling to their vaccine appointment as they are either unable or nervous to travel.”
