Winter flu jab scheme begins

Children and adults across Dumfries and Galloway will be offered protection from flu as the programme is rolled out at GP surgeries and schools.
Over two million people in Scotland will be offered the jag, and for the first time all parents of pre-school children will be contacted and encouraged to make an appointment with their GP to get their child vaccinated in a bid to increase the overall uptake.
The free vaccination will be offered to people with underlying health conditions, those who are pregnant or are older than 65 as flu can lead to serious complications which may need hospital treatment.
And over 550,000 Scottish children aged between two and 11 will also be offered the nasal spray vaccination, which will be delivered during the autumn term to those of school age.
Public Health Minister Maureen Watt said: “As the national flu immunisation programme gets underway, I want to encourage all those who are eligible to join with us in being ready for flu.
“The flu vaccine offers the best defence against the most common strains of the virus circulating this year and has an excellent safety record.
“It takes ten to 14 days to work so I urge eligible groups to make an appointment with your GP practice today.”
To find out more about the flu immunisation programme visit www.immunisationscotland.org.uk/flu or call NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88.