HEALTH chiefs have apologised for their handling of the area’s flu vaccine programme after they were criticised for prioritising young people ahead of the elderly.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has been under fire after it emerged it was using an IT system for appointments which prioritises younger patients first.

The health board has now apologised after concerns were raised by worried pensioners who have not had the free jab.

Jane Grant, NHSGGC chief executive, said: “I would like to sincerely apologise to all those people who have experienced issues with their flu vaccination appointments.

“We are very sorry for any distress and anxiety this has caused, especially among the more vulnerable members of our local communities.

“There have been a number of challenges with the delivery of the flu vaccination programme and we have taken action to ensure this situation never happens again.

“We would like to offer reassurance to those in the 65-plus age group who are yet to receive their flu vaccination that all remaining letters will be sent this week and you will have your appointment scheduled to take place before the end of November, before the flu season starts between late December and January.”

In some cases, patients received a letter to tell them about their appointment date after it had already passed.

Ms Grant said these patients will be given an alternative appointment.

She added: “We understand that many people have struggled to get through to our appointment line and we are very sorry for that. We have now employed an additional 20 call handlers to manage enquiries so that more people can be supported in a more timely way.

“If individuals need to change the timing of their appointment, we will do everything possible to rearrange this for them.

“If there are accessibility issues with their assigned vaccination centre, we will work with each individual on a case by case basis to find the centre most suitable for them.”

This is the first year that health boards have taken over responsibility for immunisations, which were previously handled by GPs.

Ms Grant added: “The flu vaccination programme has been especially challenging this year, due to the increased number of eligible people and because it is vitally important that we adhere to physical distancing guidelines when administering vaccinations.

“However, we will make sure that we learn the lessons from what has happened this year.”