Swinney has flu jab and warns vaccine ‘crucial’ to protecting NHS this winter

First Minister Receives Flu Vaccine in Edinburgh

The First Minister, John Swinney, received his winter flu vaccine at NHS Lothian’s centre in Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh, highlighting the importance of the vaccine in protecting the NHS during the winter season.

Groups Eligible for the Flu Vaccine

Mr. Swinney himself qualifies as an unpaid carer for a family member.

Impact of Flu on the NHS

During the previous flu season, 6,500 people in Scotland required hospital treatment, placing significant pressure on the NHS.

Vaccination Progress and Concerns

Almost one million vaccines have already been administered, but there has been a slight rise in hospital admissions due to flu.

“There’s 980,000 vaccines have been deployed already, and we are seeing, despite all of that, a slight increase in the level of admissions to hospital as a consequence of flu.”

“We need to be very attentive – that has all been monitored under the health and social care system.”

“A crucial component of this is making sure that we have adequate levels of vaccination to members of the public and our health and social care system are protected.”

Summary

The First Minister stresses that ensuring high vaccination rates is essential to safeguarding public health and relieving pressure on the NHS this winter.

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Grampian Online Grampian Online — 2025-11-06

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