Flu vaccine plea as rates of illness double

Just four in ten adults aged under 65 most at risk of flu have taken up the Scottish Government’s free flu jab – as it has emerged cases of illness double on the same time last year.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood say it is not too late for people take up the offer of the free flu vaccination.

Health Protection Scotland figures show just over 41 per cent of those aged under-65 considered at risk have had a flu jab this winter, and that cases of flu have more than doubled compared with last winter.

Dr Caderwood said: “I’d encourage those who are eligible – including those with underlying health conditions, pregnant women and healthcare workers – to make getting the vaccination a priority and book an appointment with their GP practice or health board.”