Nairn GPs’ efforts in return of vaccinations to local practices is recognised
Two Nairn GPS have been praised for their role in the campaign to bring vaccination services back to local health practices in the Highlands.
Last week, Inverness and Nairn MSP Fergus Ewing welcomed the announcement by the Scottish Government that delivery of vaccinations in the region will once again be co-ordinated through GP practices, having previously been passed to health boards to organise centrally.
Mr Ewing thanked Nairn GPs Alastair Noble and Adrian Baker for their efforts and support on the issue “over the past three long years” in order to achieve the U-turn.
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Dr Noble said this was proof that changes can come from the community.
He said: “I raised this issue officially first through Nairn West and Suburban Community Council.
“Adrian and Nairn Healthcare Group have been very supportive and Fergus has been the key in the Scottish Parliament.
“Well done to all who worked so hard to make sure we keep our population healthy against some really silly but ruthless central decision-makers. One size has never fitted all.
“It just shows that when you are right, you should keep going.”
The move on vaccinations came after mounting concerns that the centralised system has led to a significant drop in vaccination uptake.
A report shared by Beauly GP Dr Ross Jaffrey highlighted how uptake for the flu vaccine in “at risk groups” are down almost 50 per cent from 2022/23 in Scotland (from almost 57 per cent in 2022 to just over 33 per cent in 2024) and overall in the Highlands has fallen from 64 per cent in 2022 to 53 per cent in 2024.
He also raised concerns of a drop in childhood vaccines uptake and a spike in cases of whooping cough - with a child dying from the illness last year in the Highlands, the first death since 2015 from the condition.
The issue was also recently highlighted during the ongoing UK Covid Inquiry, with a former NHS Highland board member stating how the new system added extra barriers for people looking to to get a vaccination.
There have been reports of people not receiving appointments and others struggling to make it to central locations for vaccination clinics, particularly if having to travel in from rural areas.
No timetable has been announced for the reversion yet.
