Aberdeenshire Opens Flu Vaccination Centre as Residents Face Long Travel Distances

Aberdeenshire: A new flu and Covid-19 vaccination centre has opened in Aberdeenshire. Before this, residents had to travel up to 20 miles for their shots.

The centre is located at Alford Fire Station. This decision came after many elderly and vulnerable residents struggled to reach vaccination sites in nearby towns. With limited public transport, some were even told to take a taxi, making it a 40-mile round trip.

NHS Grampian started this initiative to make vaccinations more accessible. They reported a huge increase in flu-related hospital admissions recently. Almost one in 15 beds at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary were occupied by flu patients.

Pam Milliken, Chief Officer of the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership, mentioned that they aim to provide services closer to communities. They faced challenges in finding suitable locations and staff.

Alexander Burnett, a local MSP, expressed relief that residents now have a vaccination centre nearby. He emphasized that it should not have taken this long to set it up.

He pointed out the serious impact of the flu epidemic on the NHS and stressed the importance of local access to vaccines for vulnerable groups. It’s crucial for them to protect themselves this winter, especially with Covid still around.