Scots urged to take up flu shots before winter hits

People in Scotland eligible to receive the flu vaccine on the NHS 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 on the year before. 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 yesterday. She stressed for those at risk, flu could be serious and result in complications.

She said: “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 to 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.”