Parents urged to join flu fight

GP practices across the region are providing the free nasal flu vaccine in a bid to ensure young children are protected.
Primary school children will receive their vaccination at school.
Dr Nigel Calvert is the area’s flu immunisation co-ordinator and said: “It’s very important that children between the ages of two and five receive the nasal flu vaccine this winter.
“The vaccine is the best defence against flu and not only helps to help protect your children, but also helps to reduce the spread of the virus amongst others.
“Getting the vaccine itself only takes a few minutes; it’s painless and will provide protection for up to a year.”
Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell added: “We’re urging all parents to join the fight against flu by getting their children vaccinated as early as possible this winter.
“Even the healthiest of children can fall seriously ill from flu so it’s really important that they get their vaccine at their GP practice or at school. This will help prevent the spread of the virus to family, friends and others around them.”
To find out more about the childhood flu vaccine and its benefits, visit immunisationscotland.org.uk/childflu.