Flu vaccine stock warning as cases soar in Scotland

FLU cases in Scotland have increased by a quarter in a week, as pharmacies warned that private vaccine stocks are running low.

- BY BEN BORLAND

New data from Public Health Scotland shows laboratory-confirmed influenza cases between December 1 and 7 rose from 1,875 to 2,331 — an increase of 24%.

Hospital admissions due to influenza increased 15%, from 860 to 986 over the week.

The highest case rates were observed in younger age groups, especially school-age children.

Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital said flu cases were the highest on record, with 10 children admitted with the illness.

Seven children were admitted in a 24-hour period between Tuesday and Wednesday.

An average of 662 flu patients were in hospital in Scotland each day last week, up from 446 in the previous seven days.

Health experts said statistics suggest the vaccine is working to prevent severe illness.