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

Swinney Receives Flu Vaccine and Emphasizes Its Importance for NHS Winter Protection

First Minister John Swinney received his flu vaccine in Edinburgh and highlighted the vaccine’s vital role in safeguarding the NHS during winter.

Vaccination Details

Mr. Swinney was administered the winter flu injection by Tina McInnes at NHS Lothian’s Ocean Terminal centre. Eligible groups for the vaccine include:

The First Minister qualifies as an unpaid carer for a family member.

Impact of Last Year’s Flu Season

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

Current Vaccination Progress and Warnings

Nearly one million vaccines have been distributed, yet there has been a slight increase in hospital admissions related 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,” Mr. Swinney said.

“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.”

Mr. Swinney stressed the necessity of maintaining high vaccination rates to shield the public and NHS workers throughout the winter months.

Author’s summary: First Minister John Swinney urges continued flu vaccination as a key measure to reduce hospital admissions and protect the NHS during the winter season.

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Grampian Online Grampian Online — 2025-11-06

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