Older people more at risk in Wales than Scotland and England - Randerson

11.07.41am GMT Wed 26th Nov 2008

It is essential that older people are given the flu jab each year

Commenting on the large disparity in the number of older people who received the flu jab last year in Wales, compared with Scotland and England, Jenny Randerson, Welsh Liberal Democrat health spokesperson said:

"Last year, the Assembly Government failed to reach their own target of immunising 70% of the over 65 population. This means that over a third (36%) of this vulnerable age group missed out on this vital jab.

"Meanwhile in Scotland and England, nearly 75% of people over 65 were immunised against the influenza virus last year. This Labour-Plaid Government needs to get its act together. If they can achieve these targets in Scotland and England, we should be achieving them here too.

"Year after year, the Assembly Government is failing to reach its own target of immunising 70% of people over 65 and failing to reach the World Health Organisation recommended target of 75%.

"It is important that frail and vulnerable people get the flu jab this winter. As weather forecasts predict a cold few months ahead and with ever-rising fuel costs, older people will be even more susceptible to the virus this winter.

"It is imperative that this Labour-Plaid Government make sure they reach their own targets of at least 70% and to make sure that frail and vulnerable people are not put at risk again this winter."

Notes:

2007-2008 Scotland: 74% people over 65 received the flu jab.

(Government set target 70%)

2007-2008 England 73.5% people over 65 received the flu jab.

(Government set target 70%)

2007-2008 Wales 64% people over 65 received the flu jab.

(Government set target 70%)

Stats Scotland:

http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/3562.html

Stats England

http://www.immunisation.nhs.uk/Vaccines/Flu/Resources/previous_uptake_results

Stats Wales

http://www2.nphs.wales.nhs.uk:8080/VaccinationsImmunisationProgsDocs.nsf/61c1e930f9121fd080256f2a004937ed/a595b0539b3b9cf0802574c20051fc4e/$FILE/Wales%20influenza%20immunisation%20uptake%2020078%20Draft%202.pdf

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