A woman with asthma who suffered a “horrible” bout of flu has urged others to make sure they get vaccinated.
Samantha Whipps spoke out after the Press and Journal revealed tens of thousands of at-risk patients have still not taken up free jabs.
People with chronic respiratory conditions are among groups offered free protection ahead of the winter months.
But NHS Grampian figures show fewer than one in three have taken it up so far this year, six weeks into the national programme.
That means some 19,000 are more vulnerable to the virus that they need to be – and are likely to suffer worse symptoms if they catch it.
The rate of take-up is similarly low across other at-risk groups, such as those with heart conditions and diabetes and pregnant women.
Tens of thousands altogether still need to get their jabs.
Charities such as Aberdeen-based Asthma and Allergy Foundation are joining health chiefs in stepping up appeals for them to make a GP appointment to get the vaccine.
Mrs Whipps, a 51-year-old day centre worker from Chapel of Garioch, endured a miserable winter soon after being diagnosed with asthma.
“It was a horrible time and even when I was recovering I was coughing for weeks and weeks after,” she recalls.
“I couldn’t walk for more than 30 minutes at the time without having to use my reliever inhaler.
“Once I was better, my GP suggested that I get the flu vaccine as a preventative measure. I knew that I didn’t want to have to deal with the horrendous side effects of flu ever again so I made the decision to get the vaccine every year there and then.
“I would say to anyone with asthma who is considering getting the vaccine to simply do it. At least by having it, you are helping protect yourself from a debilitating virus and its free and easy to access.”
Dr Adekunle Adeyemi, a GP at NHS Grampian and a trustee of the charity, said: “Picking up flu can seriously affect those with asthma, to the point where they could end up in hospital really unwell.”
Other conditions which qualify for free jabs include asplenia/dysfunction of the spleen, chronic kidney, liver or neurological disease, unpaid carers and young carers and those suffering immunosuppression.
