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First Minister highlights importance of flu vaccination
The flu vaccination programme protects those most at risk from severe illness.
The First Minister has urged all those eligible for a flu vaccination this year to take up the offer as he received his in Edinburgh saying:
“I welcome the chance to receive my flu vaccine and I want to thank all those involved in this year’s roll-out.”
Getting the flu vaccine is extremely important for those who are most vulnerable to the virus to protect them from severe illness and in some cases, death. Eligible groups include people 65 years and older, pregnant women and those with certain health conditions. Unpaid carers and health and social care staff are also eligible as the vaccine helps prevent transmission of the virus so helps protect those they are caring for.
First Minister John Swinney who qualifies for a flu vaccine as an unpaid carer, encouraged others to take up their appointment:
“Since the start of this year’s programme, staff have delivered more than 980,000 flu vaccines to those most at risk. With flu cases rising, I would encourage all those who are eligible to take up an appointment ahead of the worst of winter.”
“We saw very high levels of the flu virus last year across Scotland, with over 6,500 adults being hospitalised, which contributed to real pressure on the NHS. So please take the opportunity to protect yourself and those around you and reduce your risk of ending up in hospital.”
Public Health Scotland and NHS Western Isles report that flu is circulating at higher levels than usual for this stage of the season, particularly among school-age children. Hospital admissions linked to influenza are already rising, reflecting an earlier increase in influenza activity. Recent data from Australia, which has experienced its most significant flu outbreak in seven years, suggests that the UK may encounter similar levels of infection this winter, meaning that NHS services could be facing increased pressures this winter season, and individuals, particularly those with certain underlying conditions, could become very unwell.
The flu virus is always changing and the vaccination offers the best protection against the strains circulating each winter. Getting vaccinated ahead of the peak festive season is important to allow time for your body to build up protection against the virus.
Appointments for a flu vaccine will be sent to most eligible groups. Unpaid carers and household contacts of those who are immunosuppressed can book online or call the vaccination helpline to arrange an appointment at a suitable time and location anywhere in Scotland.
Children’s vaccination programmes are important, with flu spreading quickly among 5–14 year olds.
Public Health Scotland stresses that vaccination now allows immunity to build before the festive season, reducing the risk of severe illness and easing pressure on the Appointments for a flu vaccine will be sent to most eligible groups. Unpaid carers and household contacts of those who are immunosuppressed can book online or call the vaccination helpline to arrange an appointment at a suitable time and location anywhere in Scotland.
More information on the flu vaccine is available at NHS Inform www.nhsinform.scot/flu
Some people may also be eligible for other vaccines this year, including RSV and COVID-19. Information on these vaccines is available at Winter vaccines | NHS inform and RSV vaccine for adults | NHS inform
School children and pre-school children are also eligible for a free flu vaccine: Child flu vaccine | NHS informNHS.
