MORE than 500,000 people have received their flu vaccination in Glasgow this year.

The figure comes just weeks after NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s deadline to ensure all those eligible were invited for their jab by December 1.

This year’s programme was the largest the health board had ever seen as the Scottish Government increased the eligibility criteria in a bid to keep pressure off the NHS as the battle against coronavirus continues.

However, numbers are slightly lower than expected with health board bosses expecting to vaccinate around 700,000 throughout Glasgow and the west ahead of the programme beginning earlier this year.

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Earlier this week, both the UK and Scottish governments stepped up efforts to implement Covid-19 booster jabs amid fears the new Omicron variant was set to wreak havoc on our healthcare system.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the booster scheme was to take “priority” over the flu jab programme, however, health chiefs have insisted those in high-risk groups will still be able to receive their vaccine if they haven’t already.

A spokesperson for NHSGGC said: “We’d like to thank everyone who has come forward for their flu vaccination so far which has seen more than 500,000 people vaccinated across clinics, schools and care homes.

“In line with national policy, we are now prioritising Covid-19 boosters. Anyone in high-risk groups who haven’t yet had a flu vaccination will still be able to get one, with options being explored with community pharmacies and other delivery partners.”

As previously reported, last year’s flu campaign was described as “shambolic” with the eldest members of Glasgow’s population put to the back of the queue.

This year, a revamped approach has allowed for smoother sailing with many eligible patients able to “drop-in” for a jag while also receiving one of their three coronavirus vaccines.

The programme typically runs until March and is expected to do so again, however, for the most up to date information on where to get a jag visit the NHS Inform website, which is providing updates as the coronavirus booster programme is stepped up.

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Those eligible for both the flu and booster vaccine can have them done at the same time at many drop-in clinics across the city.

Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, added: “The threat of flu has not gone away, it can cause serious illness and be fatal. Flu vaccination saves lives.

“If you are eligible, you don’t have to wait to be called up, book your flu vaccine as soon as possible to help protect yourself and family this Christmas.”