A MAN with multiple health issues has been told he’ll “just have to wait and see” when his appointment letter for a flu jab arrives.

Scott Smith has been receiving the vaccination since he developed pneumonia and pleurisy a decade ago.

However, delays in this year’s rollout means the dad-of-two is now “living in fear” of catching the virus during the pandemic.

He said: “It looks like I’m not going to get it. I have no idea if or when a letter will come in.

“My surgery usually handles it, but they say it’s out of their hands and the health board are dealing with it.

“I have two daughters, who are six and 18-years-old, so I’m scared they’ll get ill and I’ll end up with a cold which turns into a chest infection. The last time I had one I was absolutely floored.”

At just 48-years-old, Scott is too young to be a victim of the Scottish Immunisation and Recall System (SIRS) – which prioritises vaccinations for youngest people first – however, the decision to hand over control from GPs to the health boards has meant he’s been left in limbo.

Read more: Glasgow pensioner faces taking six buses to receive her flu vaccination

The delivery driver, whose route includes the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, says he has nothing to do but “live in fear” until he receives an appointment.

“I’m driving about here with the fear,” he said.

“I’ve heard different things from different people. Even my 70-year-old mother called my GP about it because she’s so worried.

“I’ve heard under the new system I’m not really classed as vulnerable any more which makes no sense.”

He added: “I’ve basically been told they don’t see why it’s such a big deal because I can get the flu jab up until March, but this is the prime flu season.

“It’s a total farce. I can’t understand it at all.

“I’m going to end up having to pay for it.”

Scott has been unsuccessful attempting to secure a private vaccination for him and his family, as the flu jab crisis leaves pharmacy appointments full.

He’s tracked down a clinic in Glasgow City Centre which is offering the jag for £50 per person.

The added anxiety brought about by the pandemic has resulted in Scott’s decision to have his entire family immunised - meaning an eye watering £200 bill for himself, his wife and his two children.

It’s a lot of money, but he feels he has no option as winter brings the double threat of Covid-19 and the flu.

Read more: Margaret Neilson, 94, terrified of impact flu jab delay could have

He said: “It’s a matter of principle, I shouldn’t have to be paying for myself. But, I think it’s what we’ll have to do and this year, with coronavirus, I think we all need it.

“I would rather pay for it than wait too long because I’m terrified of getting the flu. I don’t think you can be overly cautious for it.

“You can’t put a price on your health, but it’s a worry that you have to do it.”