Flu vaccinations should be as soon as possible

PEOPLE at risk of flu are urged to get their flu vaccine as early as possible this year.

The latest uptake figures for Highland showed nearly half (44 per cent) of people who are at risk from flu due to an underlying health condition have taken up the offer of the free vaccine since the start of the national immunisation programme in October 2016.

Traditionally, the number of cases of flu can increase during January and February.

The latest uptake figures also highlight that just under twofifths (41 per cent) of pregnant women not in at-risk groups and almost three- quarters (69 per cent) of those over the age of 65 in the Highlands have received their flu vaccination.

The flu vaccination is being administered by GP practices until the end of March 2017 as part of a programme which will see more than two million people across Scotland offered the vaccination this winter.

Statistics show that over the past five years around 500 deaths have occurred each winter attributable or related to flu.

Dr Lorraine McKee, flu immunisation co- ordinator for NHS Highland, said: ‘If you have a health condition, it’s so important that you receive the vaccine as you are at higher risk of complications from flu.

‘Anyone who is eligible should make an appointment with their GP practice to get their vaccine as soon as possible. It doesn’t take long and provides protection for the rest of this flu season.’