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Thousands of people may be at risk after new statistics reveal that less than half of health care workers contract the influenza virus.
The figures obtained by The Press and Journal showed that less than half of health workers had been vaccinated last year and that anxiety was growing for a similar situation this winter.
This has raised fears that dozens of vulnerable patients are at risk of contracting the virus when they simply present themselves to receive their injection.
Over the 2017-2018 period, only 45.7% of the eligible staff to receive a jub in Scotland did so – including 44.5% in the Highlands and 42.9% in the Western Isles.
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The NHS Grampian has not been able to provide exact figures, many staff members receiving the vaccine through their GP, but a spokesman pointed out that "thousands" of its workers are protecting themselves from the virus every year .
In August, health officials announced a target of 60% for front-line immunized staff this winter.
Last night, Jamie Weir, spokesperson for the NHS Grampian patient group, Pact, said the overall numbers were "disappointing".
He said: "Since patients likely to be infected with the virus can expose patients to the flu virus, it is paramount that the absorption be higher.
"The slightly positive rating is that the percentage of absorption has increased over the years, but additional training of staff is essential to protect both patients and themselves from the risk of infection."
MSP Alexander Burnett of the Aberdeenshire West Scottish Conservative MSP echoed his sentiments: "Hospitals and clinics are the first places where you expect full protection against contact diseases.
"Obviously, immunization really only works if everyone who needs it is given immunity.
"So it's disappointing that the number of health professionals who accept this offer is still so low."
While he had previously confirmed that "more than 40 percent" of his workers had received the flu vaccine in 2014, the NHS Grampian said its current record keeping system does not track the numbers.
Mr. Burnett added, "I'm sure there is still less chance of detecting bugs in an NHS Grampian room than in any public place.
"But it would be better for the council to start collecting this information, so that the public has peace of mind."
A Health Council spokesperson said, "Vaccination rates are hard to measure because there is a wide variety of places where people can be vaccinated.
"That said, last year, the NHS Grampian administered the vaccine to thousands of members of our specially-run clinics and to many other people who organized themselves to get the vaccine themselves through from their own doctor or local pharmacy.
"We try to make the process as simple as possible and available in convenient locations."
At the same time, a spokesman for the Highland Health Board said the rate of participation among front-line staff was higher – indicating a figure of 62% for Raigmore last year.
But he added, "With all the other advice, we are looking to increase the use of staff."
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