MSP Jamie Greene has called on the Scottish Government to act urgently over reports that staff at NHS Ayrshire and Arran have been denied flu jabs.

Flu vaccinations for staff at NHS Ayrshire & Arran have unexpectedly been suspended due to "unprecedented demand" according to the BBC.

The health board has had to seek additional supplies after being unable to cope with the volume of requests at the start of its annual campaign.

The suspension covers all workers with the exception of care home staff, care at home staff and those in the highest priority areas.

The importance of flu vaccinations have been highlighted more than usual this year due to the Covid pandemic and the increased risk of double infection.

Research from the British Medical Journal has shown that those who contract both flu and covid-19 are at least twice as likely to pass away.

Jamie, who labelled the situation a 'shambles', said: “Everyone who needs a flu vaccination has to be able to get one, including the staff at NHS who are already under increased pressure as we head towards winter.

“The fact that there is already a shortage of flu vaccinations is unacceptable and the Scottish Government must act urgently to ensure that all healthcare staff have access to a flu jab.

“As we approach winter this year, there is the increased risk of double infection which carries a massively increased risk of death.

“We cannot afford more dithering from this government when it comes to flu jabs – they have had loads of time to prepare.

“Quite frankly our frontline healthcare staff deserve better.