With a four-fold increase in the number of people suffering from flu since the start of the year, Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell this week said it’s not too late to get a jab.
She said: “It is vitally important that people are aware of the steps they can take to avoid being struck down by flu, and realise that it’s not too late to get immunised – you can still make an appointment at your GP surgery even if they are no longer running dedicated clinics.
“The flu vaccine is free for those in higher risk groups and I would urge those who are eligible to take advantage of this. The vaccine offers the best defence against the most common types of flu circulating at the moment. Every year in Scotland around two thirds of people who get severe flu and need intensive care treatment have a health condition such as chronic lung or heart disease. People with health conditions are at a greater risk and need the best available protection, which is the vaccine – no matter what age you are, how fit and healthy you feel, if you have a health condition including diabetes, asthma, bronchitis and heart disease, you are more vulnerable to flu.
“All pregnant women, at any stage of their pregnancy, should also get immunised – not only to help protect themselves, but to help protect their developing baby. Anyone aged 65 years or over is eligible too.”
She added: “Don’t risk it. It’s free, doesn’t take much time and gives you peace of mind.”
For more information, visit www.immunisationscotland.org.uk/flu.
