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The latest figures, from Health Protection Scotland, about the incidence of influenza A (H1N1) in Scotland have been published.

The findings are:

A rate of GP consultations for flu-like illnesses - not necessarily H1N1 - across Scotland of 97.8 per 100,000. This represents a significant 18 per cent decrease from last week's rate of 119.9
The number of community samples that tested positive for H1N1 has also dropped significantly from 44 per cent last week to 29 per cent.
These rates suggest that an estimated figure of 4,300 people have consulted their GP. However, taking account of the number of people having H1N1 but not consulting their GP, HPS estimate that around 12,300 people have contracted H1N1 in the past week, a decrease of 42 per cent from last week.
The reported uptake rate for one dose of the pandemic vaccine, among clinical at risk groups, during the first three weeks of the vaccination programme is 23.5 per cent. This is based on data from 60 per cent of GP practices.
The estimated uptake rate for one dose of the pandemic vaccine among front line health and social care staff is 43 per cent and 26 per cent so far.
As of November 30, there have been 1,274 people with influenza A (H1N1) hospitalised since the start of the outbreak. In the last week 170 people have required hospital admission and, as of yesterday, there were 73 in hospital in Scotland.
There have been 54 deaths linked to influenza A (H1N1) since the start of the outbreak.
There was a 34 per cent decrease in antiviral prescribing this past week.
Ms Sturgeon said:

"This week's figures are encouraging, and as we see more people come forward for vaccination we should witness a further impact on the numbers of cases across Scotland. However, we will wait to see that this trend continues over the coming weeks.

"The past couple of weeks, and the tragic death of this child today, have proven how dangerous the illness can be. If you believe you are at greater risk of suffering from complications please seek urgent medical advice.

"By Christmas everyone in the first phase of the priority groups will have been invited to take up the vaccination. Everyone in the second phase of the programme should then expect to be invited by mid January. It is an individual's choice to take up the offer of vaccination but I must reiterate that vaccination is our best form of defence against this pandemic.

"As more people accept the vaccine we should continue to see positive affects. The vaccination programme is still firmly on track and I continue to urge people to visit their GP for vaccination when invited to do so."

Anyone who is concerned about flu-like symptoms should continue to contact their GP for advice, or NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24. Further information on the vaccine programme is available via the new Scottish Swine Flu Vaccination Helpline on 08000 28 28 16.

Rates of GP consultations for flu-like illness per 100,000 population in Scottish NHS Boards:
Ayrshire and Arran - 141
Borders - 112
Dumfries and Galloway - 118
Fife -96
Forth Valley - 90
Grampian - 98
Greater Glasgow and Clyde - 133
Highland - 181
Lanarkshire - 113
Lothian - 92
Orkney - 91
Shetland - 35
Tayside - 150
Western Isles - 140
Scotland - 119
Population figures per board area, mid-year 2008 estimates (GROS)
Ayrshire and Arran - 367,510
Borders - 112,430
Dumfries and Galloway - 148,580
Fife - 361,815
Forth Valley - 290,047
Grampian - 539,630
Greater Glasgow and Clyde - 1,194,675
Highland - 309,900
Lanarkshire - 561,174
Lothian - 817,727
Orkney - 19,890
Shetland - 21,980
Tayside - 396,942
Western Isles - 26,200
Scotland - 5,168,500