HEALTH bosses are urging Glaswegians to get their Covid and flu vaccines as hospitalisations increase.  

Public Health Scotland (PHS) data shows that 735 patients are currently being treated in hospital with Covid.

Cases of flu are also on the rise with the highest hospital admission noted in children under the age of one.

Parents and carers are encouraged to get their kids vaccinated. Primary and secondary school pupils and pre-school children aged two to five are eligible for the vaccine, as well as children aged six months and over with an eligible health condition. Adults over 50 are entitled to get both free.

Dr Emilia Crighton, Interim Director for Public Health at NHSGGC, said: “We’d like to thank all those who have come forward for vaccination so far. The vaccines are the best protection we have against flu and COVID-19, and with hospital admissions due to the virus rising, it’s really important that that those who are eligible get vaccinated as soon as possible.

If you are eligible and you’ve not yet had your winter vaccines, or if your child has still to receive their flu vaccine, please book an appointment today or visit one of our drop-in clinics.”

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf added:“Uptake for the winter vaccine programme is very encouraging with Scotland delivering more jabs per head of the population among over 50’s than any other UK nation. However, the number of hospitalisations from both COVID-19 and flu are on the rise.

“The vaccines help to prevent serious illness and the need for hospital treatment freeing up capacity as we move into what could be the most challenging winter in the history of our health and care service.”

Winter vaccines appointments for adults and for young people aged 12 and over can be booked online at www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines or you can find out about local drop-in clinics at: https://www.nhsggc.scot/your-health/covid-19/covid-vaccinations/.

 For COVID-19 vaccine appointments for children under the age of 12, call 0800 030 8013.