Flu vaccination campaign launched with plea to get immunised

Scots eligible to receive the flu vaccine are being urged to make immunisation a priority as the national protection programme gets under way.

Health chiefs said the vaccine, which will be offered to around 2.5 million people, offers the “best protection against the flu virus”.

Last winter the number of flu cases in Scotland more than doubled, and on average 1,918 people are hospitalised with flu or its complications each year north of the border.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman launched the vaccination campaign on a visit to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley on Thursday.

She stressed that for those at risk, flu can be serious and result in complications that can lead to treatment in hospital.

She said: “This year we want to ensure as many people as possible are protected from flu ahead of winter hitting.

“The vaccine is safe, effective and remains the best protection against the flu virus. It is important to stress that the flu vaccine offered to those ages 65-74 this winter still provides protection.

“Last winter was a particularly bad year for flu, with a rise in the number of cases and hospitalisations.

“Flu can be extremely serious for those who are vulnerable, and is very infectious. We can best protect the people of Scotland by encouraging everyone eligible to get vaccinated early. Not only will you protect yourself, but you’ll also be playing a part in helping stop the spread of the virus this winter.”

Those eligible for the vaccine include people with asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, heart and lung diseases, or autoimmune disorders.

People aged 65 and over, pregnant women and children aged two to 11 will also be offered the vaccination, as well as NHS Scotland workers and unpaid carers to help stop the spread of the virus to the vulnerable.

Children aged five to 11 will be vaccinated at school during the autumn term and others will receive the vaccine at their GP practice.